Damen Shipyards Group has formed a joint venture with the Senegalese Government to operate Dakar’s main ship repair facility, strengthening its presence on the West African coast.
The government is represented by Société des Infrastructures de Réparation Navale, with the partnership set to deliver a full range of ship repair and maintenance services through Damen Shiprepair Dakar.
The yard holds strategic importance in the region, offering one of the few large scale repair facilities available to support vessels operating along the West African coastline. Its location is expected to attract both existing and new clients, particularly those linked to the growing offshore energy sector.
Facilities include a 191 metre drydock, a 235 metre floating dock, a synchrolift with 1,200 tonne lifting capacity and extensive quayside infrastructure. The site employs more than 300 personnel alongside a network of subcontractors.
The joint venture partners aim to develop the yard further, with long term plans that include the potential return of newbuilding activities. Investment will also focus on aligning operations with Damen’s global standards, particularly in health, safety, environment and quality, as well as IT systems and workforce management.
Jeroen Heesters said the company plans significant capital investment to modernise the facility and meet the safety and operational demands of offshore energy clients.
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the partners will prioritise workforce development through training initiatives aimed at strengthening local skills and supporting employment growth.
The yard has already begun welcoming its first clients under the new structure, marking the start of a new phase for ship repair operations in Dakar and reinforcing the region’s maritime capabilities.
