In 2025, Damen Naval is celebrating a double anniversary: 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde shipyard (Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde), and 25 years as Damen Naval, the specialised naval division of the Damen Shipyards Group.

The company traces its origins back to 1875, when the Royal Schelde was established in Vlissingen. Its strategic location, with direct access to the North Sea via the Western Scheldt, ensured the Schelde became a key player in Dutch naval shipbuilding. In 2000, this heritage entered a new chapter as Damen Naval, a company specialising in complex, unique and innovative naval vessels.

HNLMS Noord-Brabant (D810) was a Dutch submarine hunter commissioned in June 1955 and decommissioned in 1974. HNLMS Noord-Brabant (D810) was a Dutch submarine hunter commissioned in June 1955 and decommissioned in 1974.

Four months after De Schelde was founded, the company received its royal designation. Today, as one of the oldest companies still engaged in its original activity, naval shipbuilding, this distinction remains a symbol of its enduring contribution to industry in the Netherlands and its trusted partnership with the Royal Netherlands Navy. Over 150 years, the company has delivered more than 420 vessels worldwide, as a trusted designer, engineer, builder, integrator, and service provider throughout the ship’s entire lifecycle.

Craftsmanship and community
Under the guidance of pioneers like engineer Bruno Tideman, director Joseph van Raalte, and chief engineer William Martin, the Royal Schelde laid the groundwork for modern naval engineering. From the beginning, it was a centre for industrial innovation but also a cornerstone of the local community. The Schelde created employment opportunities, built residential areas, and was the first company in the Netherlands to establish an in-house occupational health service.

Between 1906 and 1940, some 20 submarines were built at our yard in Vlissingen. The first one was HNLMS O.1 built in 1906. Between 1906 and 1940, some 20 submarines were built at our yard in Vlissingen. The first one was HNLMS O.1 built in 1906.

This was not the only time the Schelde was at the forefront of major innovations. In 1906, the shipyard built the Netherlands’ first submarine: HNLMS O.1. It is one of many vessels designed and constructed in Vlissingen for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The first major naval order dates back to 1878: iron brig-rigged training vessel Castor for the Royal Netherlands Navy (pictured at the top). This marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership that would shape the future of the shipyard as well as the future of naval shhipbuilding.

Advanced naval capabilities
By the mid-20th century, the Royal Schelde was producing vessels that met the demands of modern naval warfare. In the 1970s, it began constructing guided-missile frigates, such as the Tromp-class, designed for command and control. This was followed by the standard or S-frigates and the M-Frigates, which were multipurpose and adapted to NATO’s evolving requirements. In quick succession, the ship builder added amphibious ships for rapid deployment, air defence and command frigates, and other advanced vessels to its portfolio.

For neighbouring country Germany, Damen Naval is designing and building the F126 frigates, the largest frigates for the German Navy. For neighbouring country Germany, Damen Naval is designing and building the F126 frigates, the largest frigates for the German Navy.

Becoming Damen Naval
Following its acquisition by the Damen Shipyards Group, the company evolved into Damen Naval, combining the shipyard’s rich heritage with Damen’s global expertise. In just a few years, Damen Naval introduced the innovative modular and customisable SIGMA range of frigates. Through knowledge-sharing, Damen Naval stimulates local industry by enabling countries to construct vessels at their national shipyards. Ten of these frigates are currently in service with navies worldwide, with an eleventh on the way. Each project consistently involves numerous Dutch suppliers.

Engineering the future
As Damen Naval marks its 150th anniversary, the world is changing rapidly, bringing growing security challenges for Europe and the Netherlands. In 2025, there is a renewed awareness of the necessity to modernise and strengthen our armed forces and naval fleet. Across Europe, nations are taking steps in this direction. As a strategic partner to its launching customer, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, Damen Naval is currently working on the renewal and replacement of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s fleet. This is being carried out in collaboration with predominantly Dutch partners and suppliers. In doing so, the company is also making a meaningful contribution to European defence cooperation—something increasingly vital.

The new Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates will replace the current Karel Doorman-class Multipurpose frigates. The new Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates will replace the current Karel Doorman-class Multipurpose frigates.

The fleet replacement includes the Combat Support Ship Den Helder and the new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates. Beyond national projects, Damen Naval leads several naval construction programs for NATO and EU partners, including the ASW frigates for the Belgian Navy and the F126 frigates for the German Navy.

From its origins 150 years ago to its position today as the Netherlands’ sole naval OEM, Damen Naval continues to shape the future of naval shipbuilding. The heritage of the Royal Schelde lives on in every vessel launched and every mission supported.

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