Damen Shipyards design and proposal engineer, Rebecca Belmer, talks about designing future-ready support and harbour vessels and how she entered the maritime industry
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.
What have been your biggest hurdles along the way?
On a personal level, I cannot identify any major obstacles that I have encountered along the way. Thus far, it has been a relatively smooth journey. Naturally, there are project-related challenges and puzzles that need to be addressed. However, these challenges are an integral part of what makes the job enjoyable.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for your company and the maritime industry?
Designing vessels that remain fit for purpose over a span of 30 years is a significant challenge, especially given the rapidly changing mix of energy sources and the evolving offshore assets that generate this energy. Ensuring a vessel retains its operational value throughout its lifespan is a great challenge everyone at Damen is eager to tackle.
Having been at Damen for two years, I am happy to witness substantial advancements toward future-ready vessel designs across our entire portfolio. This includes not only fully electric SOVs, but also full-electric or flexible fuel tugs, fully electric public transport vessels, and electric crew transfer vessels.
What would you say to any other young person who was thinking of a career in the maritime or offshore industries?
For those considering a career in the maritime industry, it promises an exciting journey with many knowledgeable individuals, interesting challenges, and opportunities to contribute to the solutions of tomorrow. As Damen’s slogan says, “An ocean of possibilities,” which is truly accurate within the maritime and offshore sectors.
At the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference 2025, in London, UK, Ms Belmer presented how Damen Shipyards was considering ways of implementing a circular economy, including using green steel and recycled equipment, and designing more sustainable vessels for offshore and harbour operations.
During Riviera’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference & Exhibition, in Bergen in 2024, Ms Belmer described the next steps in developing vessels for zero-emissions windfarm operations.
Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Asia 2025, the largest forum for vessel owners, designers, shipbuilders, charterers and suppliers within the OSV sector in Asia, Use this link to register your interest
Events
© 2026 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.