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When the old ship’s bell in the hall of Damen Naval headquarters is rung, everyone knows there is good news to report. This is because the bell is used to celebrate the signing of a new contract. To mark the expansion of the F126 project for the German Navy from four to six new frigates, the bell was heard twice at the end of June; once for each new ship.
In mid-June, the budget committee of the German Bundestag gave the green light for the procurement of two additional F126 frigates and a week later, the German Armed Forces Acquisition Organisation (BAAINBw) and Damen Naval signed the contract. But such a contract only becomes truly official after the bell in the hall has been rung.
Colleagues gathered in the main hall to hear the bell ring.
“This is a special moment for the F126 project. When we rang the bell for the original contract four years ago, it was during the corona pandemic and we were all standing at an appropriate distance from each other. The project team then consisted of about 30 people, now it is ten times that,” Project Director Frank Verhelst told us in his speech. “When ringing the bell for a new contract, usually the people from the sales team stand on the platform, but for this contract, the entire project team is our sales team. We have all earned this contract by building a good relationship with our client. This contract is a great compliment to everyone who contributed to the project. Thank you for all your hard work.”
The F126 project team with bell ringers Danny Elbers (left) and Gesa Feddersen (centre).
Damen Shipyards Group CEO Arnout Damen could not be physically present at the ringing, as it was not his only joyous occasion on Monday 24 June. He also celebrated his birthday and had other commitments, so he could not be physically present in Vlissingen. He therefore attended the ceremony via a special livestream and addressed the staff. “It is great news that the customer has decided to give us two additional frigates. I was in Wolgast for the keel laying and saw how great the support is from the German government and BAAINBw. They are very enthusiastic about the project,” Arnout said. “This is the biggest contract in Damen’s history. The F126 project is important for Damen Naval and for the whole Damen Shipyards Group, and it is important for our reputation as a shipbuilder. Congratulations on this great result.”
The bell was rung by two special representatives of the F126 project: Gesa Feddersen who has been involved in what was then called MKS 180 from the very beginning, and Danny Elbers the newest member of the project team who joined Damen Naval just days before. The ceremony ended with celebratory drinks.