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Damen Schelde Marine Services (DSMS) continues to build its presence in Asia, with its Singapore office playing an increasingly important role in the company’s global service network. From expanding commercial activities and growing its team to entering new market segments, DSMS Singapore is on an upward trajectory. General Manager Jeroen Caris shares an update from the region – both professionally and personally.
Text: Tom Scott
I spoke to Jeroen the day before the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) trade fair. Taking place in Singapore, APM is one of Asia’s biggest maritime events and is a key pillar in DSMS’s commercial strategy. “APM is the most important trade fair for us in the region,” Jeroen explains. “It’s very much focused on deep-sea shipping, which is a significant market for us: this really is the trade fair for our end customers. I am happy to say that our agenda is already fully booked.”
DSMS is attending the event with a team of five, supplemented by three regional agents from Indonesia, China, and Australia. Sharing a stand with Damen Shiprepair, the company is presenting a unified regional presence. “It’s important for us to show that we are active and committed to this region, especially given the current geopolitical uncertainties,” Jeroen adds. Besides attending trade fairs, DSMS keeps up client relationships by visiting customers across Asia. In recent months alone, the team has travelled to India, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia.
The DSMS Singapore team attended the APM trade fair in March this year.
Expanding team and capabilities
Aiming to continue the growth experienced by the company in previous years, Jeroen is going to focus “more on end-to-end services, where the entire supply chain is actually integrated with DSMS for our customers”, he adds. To support anticipated future growth, DSMS Singapore recently took on two new colleagues whose functions are Compliance Support and Internal Sales Support respectively. “This really shows how much our sales flow is growing; reflecting the increasing volume and complexity of projects,” says Jeroen.
Just like its head office in Vlissingen, DSMS Singapore’s core business is the supply of spare parts combined with associated transport logistics, warehousing and workshop capabilities. Vessel services consist of inspections, preventive maintenance, repair, and overhaul works, which can take place either in the workshop or on board the vessel itself. “We work on parts in our workshop – in fact, it’s interesting to see that reconditioning is picking up again. In the past, replacing a part was often cheaper than reconditioning. But, with the increased interest in sustainability, we are seeing that reconditioning is becoming a viable option again.”
DSMS Singapore recently overhauled a 16-cylinder Sulzer ZAV40 cruise ship engine.
Flexibility and expertise on board
“However, most of our work is actually performed on board our clients’ vessels,” Jeroen explains. Onboard projects require thorough preparation and the ability to adapt. “We usually start with an inspection to assess the scope. But even then, once you open up an engine, there are often unexpected issues. That’s why it’s so important to have experienced engineers onboard – we have a high-quality regional team here.”
One notable project that DSMS has recently completed was the overhaul of a 16-cylinder Sulzer ZAV40 cruise ship engine. “We delivered the whole project – from spare parts to manpower to logistics – in 14 days. The client initially didn’t believe it was possible; competitors had taken up to 30 days for similar work. But by scaling up and deploying the right expertise, we delivered the full project on time.” Such projects highlight DSMS’s strength as an end-to-end service provider, combining parts, logistics, and onboard expertise into one integrated solution.
Visiting a supplier’s factory in Japan.
Navigating a changing market
While growth opportunities remain strong, the current geopolitical climate does have an impact. “We notice that customers are more cautious, more hesitant,” Jeroen says. “Furthermore, the situation directly affects shipping through oil prices, freight rates, and overall market dynamics.” For DSMS, this means staying sharp. “We need to use all our sales and technical knowledge to support our customers in this changing environment.”
Building a life in Singapore
Alongside the professional developments, Jeroen has also experienced a major personal transition. Nine months ago, he relocated to Singapore with his wife and three children. “The move was a big step,” he reflects. “You leave behind your entire social life in the Netherlands. But now things are becoming normal again, which is really nice.”
General Manager Jeroen Caris.
Singapore’s international character has helped the Caris family settle quickly. English is widely spoken, and the presence of an active Dutch community has made it easier to build new connections and friendships. “There are many international people from all over the world here, which creates a strong network and also opens up opportunities for collaboration.” His children, aged 6, 10 and almost 12, have adapted well to their new environment. With a home close to school and a safe living environment, the family has found its rhythm. “The children are already playing with friends in the neighbourhood. That says it all.”
From busy exhibition halls to engine rooms at sea, DSMS Singapore is proving itself as a key player in the region, delivering integrated solutions while building lasting relationships, both professionally and personally.