Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The shipbuilding industry in Benelux boasts a robust ecosystem of companies engaged in various aspects of vessel design, construction, and maintenance. It houses shipyards and manufacturers that produce a spectrum of vessels, including commercial ships, luxury yachts, and specialized offshore vessels. In recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re has been a notable shift toward sustainability, with firms investing in greener technologies and alternative fuels. Encouraging innovations in automation and IT integration also point to a digitally-driven future in shipbuilding. As environmental pressures mount and global demands evolve, Benelux’s shipbuilding sector is poised for growth and transformation.

The list of investors in Benelux’s shipbuilding sector includes a mix of corporate and private equity firms, reflecting a range of strategic interests. These investors hail from various locations, including Belgium, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, and Luxembourg, showcasing a regional commitment to maritime growth. Sizes vary, with some firms employing hundreds, while oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs boast thousands of employees. Having been established across different decades, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in 2024 demonstrate ongoing confidence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry’s potential. As each entity brings unique expertise, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir deal activities set Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ stage for innovation in shipbuilding and allied sectors.

Top 15 Shipbuilding Investors in Benelux

1. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. In recent transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has participated in funding rounds for companies like bound4blue, which raised â‚�15.9 million in a Series A funding round to develop automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for maritime transport. Additionally, bound4blue received grants totaling â‚�6.5 million from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and Innovation Fund Program, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector. AnoÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant transaction includes Wavefoil, which also received funding and grants for its projects related to maritime technology. These activities demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's role in supporting advancements that can benefit Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding industry.

2. Boskalis

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Papendrecht, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1910
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Boskalis Westminster N.V. is a leading logistics and marine services company based in Papendrecht, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1910. The company specializes in dredging and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maintenance of maritime infrastructure, providing a wide range of services including coastal defense, land reclamation, and offshore energy support. Boskalis serves a diverse clientele, including port authorities and energy companies, ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations. In 2024, Boskalis announced Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of ALP Maritime Services, enhancing its capabilities in towing and maritime services with a fleet of eight anchor-handling salvage tugs. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y signed an agreement to acquire Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ remaining 50% shares of Smit Lamnalco, a company that provides terminal services, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector. Their previous acquisitions, such as Smit Internationale and Gardline Group, also reflect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir maritime service offerings, which are closely related to shipbuilding and marine operations.

3. Van Oord

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1868
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn:

Royal Van Oord is a maritime contractor based in Rotterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, specializing in dredging, land reclamation, and offshore energy projects. Founded in 1868, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has over 155 years of experience and operates globally, focusing on sustainable practices and enhancing energy transition efforts. Van Oord has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Royal IHC, a Dutch shipbuilder, which aims to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n IHC's balance sheet and maintain its technological leadership in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector. Additionally, Van Oord acquired MPI Offshore, a specialist in offshore wind installation, which included vessels and crew, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment program to bolster Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK wind market. These transactions highlight Van Oord's commitment to expanding its capabilities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime industry, including shipbuilding-related activities.

4. Triton Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist, for EUR 480 million, which is expected to close by July 1, 2025. This acquisition highlights Triton's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in DeepOcean, a company involved in subsea services, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in maritime-related activities. These transactions illustrate Triton's strategic focus on enhancing companies that play a role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding and maritime sectors.

5. Damen

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Gorinchem, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1927
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Damen Shipyards Group is a corporate investor based in Gorinchem, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1927. As a leading shipbuilding and engineering company, Damen specializes in designing and constructing a diverse range of vessels, including tugs, workboats, and defense vessels. They serve various industries such as maritime transport and defense, providing services like ship repair, lifecycle support, and financing. Damen operates globally with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of a majority stake in Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's Mangalia shipyard in Romania, which enhances Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir shipbuilding capabilities. They also signed a letter of intent with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Royal Bahamas Defence Force for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of nine long-range patrol vessels and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ construction of three naval bases, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in defense-related shipbuilding. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Damen's acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Dutch ship repair yard D. van de Wetering in Rotterdam aims to integrate and enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir service offerings, solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding and repair market.

6. AkzoNobel

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1792
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

AkzoNobel N.V. is a leading manufacturer of paints and coatings, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for both industrial and consumer markets. Founded in 1792 and headquartered in Amsterdam, North Holland, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company operates in over 150 countries, delivering high-quality products that enhance and protect surfaces. AkzoNobel serves a diverse customer base, including businesses in construction and automotive industries, as well as individual consumers. Notably, AkzoNobel has made strategic acquisitions to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine coatings market, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of New Nautical Coatings in January 2021, which owns Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Sea Hawk yacht coatings brand. This acquisition aims to enhance AkzoNobel's presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ North American yacht coatings market, indicating a commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine sector. Additionally, AkzoNobel has a history of acquiring businesses that complement its coatings portfolio, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ alloy wheel liquid coatings business of Lankwitzer Lackfabrik GmbH and Flexcrete Technologies, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing its focus on expanding its specialty coatings offerings.

7. Cobepa

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1957
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Cobepa is a private equity investment company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1957. It specializes in providing investment management and strategic support to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth and sustainability of its partner businesses. Cobepa operates with a permanent capital base, allowing it to invest across various industries, including healthcare and industrial sectors. Notably, Cobepa has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding context, such as its investment in Van Oord, a prominent marine contractor, and Princess Yachts International, a luxury yacht manufacturer. These investments highlight Cobepa's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding industry, showcasing its capability to support and grow businesses within this sector.

8. Parcom Capital

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Schiphol, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Parcom Capital is a corporate investment firm based in Schiphol, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1982. Specializing in private equity, Parcom focuses on unlocking Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential of businesses by providing investment management and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams. They partner with various companies across multiple sectors to facilitate sustainable growth and transformation. Notably, Parcom Capital has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding context, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of GustoMSC, a company known for its engineering solutions for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime and offshore industries, and Barge Master, which provides innovative solutions for maritime operations. These investments highlight Parcom's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding sector, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

9. Fugro

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Leidschendam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1962
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Fugro NV is a corporate investor based in Leidschendam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, specializing in geotechnical services and Geo-data solutions. Founded in 1962, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has a global presence and offers a wide range of services including surveying, environmental assessments, and geotechnical investigations, primarily for clients in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ energy and infrastructure sectors. In recent years, Fugro has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime domain, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of SEA-KIT International, a company known for its development of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). This acquisition, announced on November 28, 2023, highlights Fugro's strategic interest in advancing marine technology and capabilities. Additionally, Fugro acquired De Regt Marine Cables in 2011, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing its involvement in marine operations and support services. These transactions illustrate Fugro's commitment to enhancing its offerings in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding industry.

10. SES Satellites

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Betzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

SES S.A. is a satellite telecommunications provider based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, founded in 1985. The company offers a range of services including video broadcast and data connectivity solutions, serving various sectors such as broadcasting, government, and maritime. SES operates a fleet of over 70 satellites, ensuring global coverage for its customers. Notably, SES acquired Greenham Regis Marine Electronics in 2016, which operated as a subsidiary until its full incorporation into SES in 2023. This acquisition enhances SES's capabilities in providing electronic services to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime industry, indicating a strategic interest in maritime operations. Additionally, SES has made significant acquisitions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ government sector, such as DRS Global Enterprise Solutions, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcases its focus on enhancing communication solutions, including those that may benefit maritime operations.

11. Marguerite

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Marguerite is an infrastructure investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2010, specializing in sustainable investments across Europe. The firm focuses on funding initiatives that address climate change and promote economic growth through renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Their clients include institutional investors seeking to align Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolios with environmental and social governance principles. Notably, Marguerite has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector, including a 65% stake acquisition in Jifmar Offshore Services S.A.S., which is aimed at supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ transition to next-generation offshore service vessels operations. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Butendiek offshore wind farm, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects, which often intersect with shipbuilding activities.

12. Bekaert

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1880
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

N.V. Bekaert S.A. is a steel manufacturer based in Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in steel wire transformation and coatings. Founded in 1880, Bekaert operates globally with a workforce of 28,000 employees and generates significant sales through its diverse product offerings. In 2024, Bekaert made a notable acquisition of BEXCO nv, a leading player in synÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tic ropes for offshore energy production, for â‚�40 million. This acquisition is part of Bekaert's growth strategy to enhance its offerings in synÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tic offshore lifting and mooring solutions, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ emerging floating offshore wind industry. Additionally, Bekaert previously acquired Arrium's wire ropes business in Newcastle, Australia, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ns its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ global market for mining ropes. These transactions highlight Bekaert's strategic interest in sectors that are relevant to shipbuilding, particularly in offshore applications.

13. Horizon Flevoland

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Lelystad, Flevoland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Horizon Flevoland is a not-for-profit regional development organization based in Lelystad, Flevoland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2019. It focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region by providing financial assistance, business advisory services, and connecting entrepreneurs with experts to foster innovation and growth. The organization is active in various sectors, including agriculture and renewable energy. A notable transaction involving Horizon Flevoland is its investment in Econowind, a Dutch company that manufactures 16-metre aluminium 'VentoFoil' systems designed to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ efficiency of ocean-going vessels by harnessing wind power. This investment, announced on September 11, 2023, highlights Horizon Flevoland's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding context, as Econowind aims to produce at least one unit daily by 2027.

14. Level2 Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Level2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, including AI, blockchain, and sustainability. They provide not only capital but also managerial support and strategic guidance to help startups grow and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir markets. A notable transaction involving Level2 Ventures is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in a $12 million funding round for Sea Machines Robotics, which focuses on developing autonomous control systems and advanced perception technology for maritime vessels. This investment aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding industry, showcasing Level2 Ventures' interest in maritime technology and innovation.

15. Ergon Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Ergon Capital is a private equity firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and sustainability consulting, partnering with families, entrepreneurs, and management teams to enhance business value while promoting ESG initiatives. Ergon Capital operates across various sectors, providing strategic support to its portfolio companies. Notably, in January 2022, Ergon Capital acquired a majority stake in Satlink, a Spanish marine telecoms company, for over EUR 200 million. This acquisition highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime industry, which is relevant to shipbuilding. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Joris Ide Group in 2007, although this transaction is less relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime context. Overall, while Ergon Capital has made strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine sector, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on diverse industries may limit Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir classification as a dedicated shipbuilding investor.

Shipbuilding Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Papendrecht, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1910	2
	Rotterdam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	5001-10000	1868	0
	Luxembourg	201-500	1997	6
	Gorinchem, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1927	1
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1792	0
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	1957	2
	Schiphol, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	1982	1
	Leidschendam, South Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	1962	0
	Betzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg	1001-5000	1985	2
	Luxembourg	11-50	2010	0
	Zwevegem, Flanders, Belgium	10001+	1880	1
	Lelystad, Flevoland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2019	1
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2021	1
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	11-50	2005	0

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuilding industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipbuildingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!