Women in Maritime Tomorrow: Damen’s Rebecca Belmer 'working in maritime offers an ocean of possibilities'

Rebecca Belmer is Damen Shipyard’s design and proposal engineer who is at the beginning of her promising career in vessel design and construction. Riviera asked Ms Belmer questions about her career to date, ambitions and prospects for future development.

In this exclusive interview, she provides insight into how Damen is designing and developing specifics for commissioning service operation vessels and fully electric support vessels for windfarm development and maintenance, passenger vessels, and flexible-fuel tugs.

Ms Belmer talks about the challenge of designing vessels for 30 years of operating life, including preparing for the changing mix of energy sources and technical advancements towards future-ready vessel designs.

How did you get your start or what inspired you to pursue a career in the marine industry?

Growing up, I spent most holidays and weekends sailing. This experience sparked my interest in the maritime industry. In the harbour, there were not only sailing yachts but also various workboats. I have been around ships from a young age. Additionally, the atmosphere that surrounds the maritime industry is characterised by a no-nonsense mentality, which suits me perfectly.

What are your responsibilities in your current role?

In my current role in the design and proposal team, we translate customer requirements into vessel designs in co-operation with the sales department. We prepare ship naval architecture and specifications, calculate costs and determine delivery time through collaboration with other departments within Damen.

On a daily basis, I dedicate most of my time to the design of commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs), which are offshore support vessels intended for the operation and maintenance of offshore wind energy. The design of the fully electric SOV was particularly noteworthy. To achieve this design, we engaged in discussions and collaborations with windfarm developers, customers and offshore charger manufacturers, striving to realise the zero-emissions windfarm dream.

Was there anyone who inspired or encouraged you in your career?

The beginning of my career at Damen is credited to a waving Damen flag on a neighbouring yacht in the Rodney Bay Marina on St Lucia. There, I met a Damen employee who convinced me Damen was the ideal place to commence my maritime career, and he was indeed correct. In addition, I believe everyone – friends, family, and colleagues – has been consistently positive and encouraging in my endeavours.