Damen Shipyards Group has announced the acquisition of Southampton-based I.M.E Group Ltd, marking a significant expansion of its service capabilities in the United Kingdom. The acquisition follows years of close collaboration between Damen Services and I.M.E since the establishment of Damen’s UK Service Hub in 2021.
The acquisition reinforces Damen’s strategic commitment to offering full lifecycle support for clients, extending its service network across the UK. Through this investment, Damen will enhance its ability to provide on-site support, mechanical and electrical engineering, docking services, spare parts supply, and maintenance solutions for both Damen-built and non-Damen vessels operating in UK waters.
Founded in 2006, I.M.E Group has built a strong reputation for 24/7 repair and maintenance services across the maritime and energy sectors, delivering everything from emergency repairs to complex turnkey projects. Damen and I.M.E have collaborated closely over the years, sharing several clients and aligning operational standards.
Their partnership deepened in 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, allowing Damen Services access to I.M.E’s office, yard, and workshop facilities. This collaboration enabled Damen to scale its local service operations, while maintaining its commitment to working with regional suppliers and supporting the UK’s maritime industry.
In addition to this acquisition, Damen Services UK recently opened a new office in Portchester, located adjacent to a docking site equipped with synchrolift facilities, further strengthening its local service infrastructure.
Damen’s UK Service Hub was originally established to deliver rapid, localized lifecycle support to operators of Damen vessels across the region. The hub is part of Damen’s wider global network of service hubs, which provide clients worldwide with dependable and efficient technical support.
With the integration of I.M.E Group, Damen aims to build on its strong foundation in the UK maritime sector and deliver seamless, around-the-clock services to its customers.
KEY QUOTES:
“This development demonstrates the close synergy between our two organisations during the past years. We have cooperated well together, growing our relationship and aligning our values and standards. By bringing I.M.E into the Damen Services family, we take the next step in the development of our services offering to our UK-based clients, ensuring them of seamless, round-the-clock support they can count on.”
Edwin van der Poel, Director at Damen Services UK
“From the very beginning, our collaboration with Damen Services and Michael Nolan, Service Hub Manager UK, has felt like a natural fit. We share a commitment to quality, responsiveness, and putting the customer first. Becoming part of the Damen Services family is a great step for us at I.M.E, and we’re excited to continue delivering exceptional service, now with even greater reach and resources behind us.”
Paul Langford, Founder and Managing Director of I.M.E Group Ltd
