Royal IHC has announced a strategic partnership with Vietnamese shipyard Nam Trieu, marking a significant step in expanding its global footprint. The collaboration focuses on the construction of a trailing suction hopper dredger, ordered last month by De Boer – Dutch Dredging. The vessel will boast a hopper capacity of 2,300m3, and its construction in Vietnam is expected to be the start of a long-term partnership between Royal IHC and Nam Trieu. This collaboration is set to deliver high-quality vessels at competitive prices, further enhancing Royal IHC’s position in the global maritime industry.
Strengthening Global Presence with Strategic Partnerships
Royal IHC’s partnership with Nam Trieu aligns with its strategic objective of offering a broader range of choices to its customers. This move is designed to bolster the company’s competitive position in the international market. According to CEO Derk te Bokkel, “The collaboration with Nam Trieu is the realization of our two-pillar strategy. We build both in the Netherlands and the Far East. In Vietnam, we can build to the same quality level with lower labor and energy costs, while our yards in Krimpen and Kinderdijk allow us to build much more quickly.”
High-Quality Construction at Lower Costs
Royal IHC’s decision to partner with Nam Trieu is driven by the potential to deliver high-quality vessels at reduced costs. By leveraging the lower labor and energy expenses in Vietnam, Royal IHC can maintain its stringent quality standards while offering competitive pricing to its global customers. “Nam Trieu will essentially be our overseas yard,” explained Te Bokkel. “Historically, we’ve constructed ships at various foreign shipyards with varying success. This time, we want a consistent partner who understands our processes and expectations.”
Enhancing Dutch Expertise with International Collaboration
The partnership with Nam Trieu also supports Royal IHC’s goal of reinforcing its Dutch operations. “A combination of a foreign construction site in a low-cost country with a technically qualified Dutch organization at the base can work very well. This strengthens the Dutch organization,” noted Derk te Bokkel.
On-Site Supervision and Local Workforce Engagement
Nam Trieu shipyard, employing between 700 and 800 local workers, will carry out the construction of the dredger. Royal IHC will supply the necessary materials and equipment from the Netherlands, ensuring that the same quality standards are met. Additionally, a compact project team from the Netherlands will be stationed on-site in Vietnam to supervise the construction process, ensuring that all aspects of the build meet Royal IHC’s rigorous standards.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Royal IHC and Nam Trieu
This strategic partnership between Royal IHC and Nam Trieu not only strengthens Royal IHC’s global market position but also ensures the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective vessels. As the partnership grows, it is expected to pave the way for further collaborations, cementing Nam Trieu’s role as a crucial overseas yard for Royal IHC.
This news is a testament to Royal IHC’s commitment to innovation, quality, and strategic growth in the competitive global shipbuilding industry.