Martin van Heulen Manager Strategic Alliances & Offset

‘I like the international aspect’

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding is an international company. This is especially true if, like me, you have a lot to do with the outside world. We have clients, colleagues and suppliers all over the globe. For me, this makes working for Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding extra interesting.

Not only that, but the technology is always challenging and a lot of money is involved. I like that aspect too. I think I might have the longest job description of all the people here. One of my main responsibilities is filling the barter obligation for an export order. This means that if a country buys one of our naval vessels, law obliges us to do something in return for that country.

 

For instance, we will buy our materials or have parts of the ship built locally. But, if we want, we could also buy rice and market that or offer people an education in The Netherlands. It is up to me to think what we could do and then get it done. Another one of my responsibilities is finding and entering into joint ventures with other parties, for instance other shipyards. Our goal is to make sure that both parties profit from the collaboration. We call these types of joint ventures: strategic alliances.

 

FOREIGN HOTELS

Because of the international character of my job, I have to travel abroad with my colleagues on a regular basis. I really like that. The intensive teamwork often creates a strong bond. If you are working together on a project intensively for a week, you really get to know each other. No matter what, the international aspect is intriguing. We work in a world where many dogs are fighting for the same bone. It is up to us to be the ‘third dog' that gets to leave with the bone. In other words, it is quite a challenge to constantly be the best in the world.

 

DYNAMIC

Back in 1992, it wasn't obvious that I would work for Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding. I had the assumption that it would be a world of ‘red tape'. Eventually I accepted a position in procurement and I have to say: I was wrong. I felt right at home and was able to develop myself further right from the start. Communication lines are short and you are heard. Excellent people are pampered and they are willing do a lot for you. In my eyes, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding is just a really dynamic company.

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