Damen Schelde Marine Services (DSMS) has further strengthened its position as a full-service marine support provider through the integration of Lafaut Engineering into the wider DSMS group. Operating under the new name Schelde Engine Services (SES), the company adds valuable onboard service expertise to an increasingly comprehensive portfolio of spare parts, workshop reconditioning and logistics support.

Text: Tom Scott

For DSMS, the development builds on a relationship between the two companies that evolved naturally over several years. “We initially worked together on reconditioning projects and later joined forces on onboard service assignments,” explains Managing Director Arnold Suykerbuyk. “Over time it became clear that our organisations complemented each other extremely well. Bringing our strengths together enables us to provide even greater value to customers.”

One partner for complete engine support
Schelde Engine Services specialises in medium-speed four-stroke and slow-speed two-stroke engines across multiple engine brands, including extensive MAN expertise. The company’s strength lies in its ability to carry out onboard inspections, remove engine components, perform workshop overhauls and reinstall equipment as part of a fully coordinated maintenance solution.

According to Arnold, the real value lies in the experience and dedication of the service engineers. “These are professionals who are used to working under pressure, often in demanding circumstances and at locations all over the world. Their commitment to keeping customers operational is what makes the difference.”

“Shipowners want reliable technical support wherever their vessels are operating. By combining our capabilities, we can offer one integrated solution, from inspection and diagnosis through to parts supply, logistics, and project execution.” Arnold Suykerbuyk

Building an integrated service organisation
The addition of Schelde Engine Services represents another important step in DSMS’s long-term growth strategy. Earlier developments included the expansion into workshop reconditioning through the in 2024 acquired facility in ‘s-Gravendeel, creating new opportunities to support customers throughout the entire engine maintenance lifecycle.

Today, customers increasingly prefer a single partner capable of managing spare parts supply, workshop overhauls, onboard service and logistics coordination. “Shipowners want reliable technical support wherever their vessels are operating,” Arnold explains. “By combining our capabilities, we can offer one integrated solution, from inspection and diagnosis through to parts supply, logistics, and project execution.”

When engineers inspect an engine onboard, they can immediately identify replacement requirements, arrange workshop support where required, organise logistics and support the complete maintenance process. “For customers, that means one point of contact and a much more efficient approach to maintenance,” Arnold says.

Stronger together
The integrated approach has already proven successful across a range of projects involving cruise vessels, commercial ships and other maritime assets. By combining technical expertise, workshop facilities, logistics capabilities and spare parts availability, DSMS is able to support customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their engines and vessels.

Arnold: “Looking ahead, Schelde Engine Services will continue to benefit from the strength of the wider DSMS organisation while maintaining its specialist focus on marine engine services. The integration of the workshop facilities in Bergen op Zoom and ’s-Gravendeel, together with the logistics and commercial organisation in Vlissingen, creates a platform for further growth of our group’s service activities.”

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