Ship conversions

Changing the use of a ship or making significant changes to its capabilities is a major undertaking but Damen with its combination of new built and maintenance / refit skills is a leader in this sector. We work especially closely with the offshore sector on projects such as converting drilling rigs to accommodation units or transforming conventional ships into offshore installation vessels by lengthening decks and adding accommodation, cranes, thrusters and DPS.

We have lengthened vessels including ferries and fishing trawlers and widened others. Our expertise includes changing propulsion systems to hybrid or pure LNG to enable ships to take on new roles in emission control areas. The addition of pods, thrusters and stabilisers can also transform the capabilities of a ship, and we are leaders in the installation of marine access systems. Conversions can deliver major savings in both time and cost compared to a new build and require fewer inputs.

What we offer

Decades of experience
Small and complex conversions
A dedicated department focused on conversion projects
Engineering capabilities
Extensive project management
Excellent facilities – heavy crane capacities, large drydocks (including covered)

A selection of our conversion activities

Through our experience and passion we have successfully converted countless vessels:

A pontoon into a 36 metre multicat
A general cargo vessel to a fish food carrier
A former navy vessel into a hydrographic support vessel

A container carrier into a wind farm construction vessel
A jack-up drilling rig into an accommodation platform
A research vessel into a 2D seismic vessel

This is just a small selection, almost anything is possible and we love to be challenged.

"Benefit from lessons learnt and our extensive project knowledge. This allows us to provide you with reliable, efficient and innovative conversion services"

Our dedicated team

Besides experience, we can offer you the combined knowledge and expertise of the entire Damen Shipyards Group, including our dedicated Offshore & Conversion team. The latter possesses all the know-how necessary to perform the most challenging conversion projects: from design and engineering to execution. We can draw upon all of our personnel, from any location we operate. Additionally, we have an extensive network of partners you can rely on.

Agile partnership

Of course, we are always open to answering your questions. In fact, we feel the best solutions are born out of working together closely. Whether you have a question for our engineers, need a quote, or are simply looking for advice, we are willing and able to provide you with all the answers you might need.

Even if you’re not sure what to do with your vessel, feel free to contact us. We are up to date with the most recent market developments and always available for conversion advice.

We were looking for an experienced and well-equipped yard to carry out this substantial conversion,” ... “We found all that we were looking for in Damen Shiprepair.

Paul Melles Director at Rederij Doeksen View the yard