Alewijnse Romania celebrates 25 years of innovation and success

Alewijnse Romania’s 25th anniversary also almost aligns with that of the Damen shipyard in Galati. The collaboration began in September 1999 on the banks of the Danube, where high-quality ships were being built for clients worldwide. The portfolio that Damen builds is diverse, ranging from large naval vessels and luxury superyachts to advanced dredgers. Innovative and sustainable Ro-Ro ships, ferries, and inland waterway vessels also regularly roll off the shipyard’s production lines.

Alewijnse began its operations in Romania with the acquisition of shares in Retec - Romanian Electro Trade Engineering Company SA. "Founded in 1995, Retec was the first Romanian company to combine systems design with the sale and commissioning of electrical systems," says Pieter Smit, former director of Retec and Alewijnse Romania.

A novelty and a necessity

“The idea behind the company was to offer complete electrical packages to shipowners and shipyards, from technical documentation to the installation of all electrical systems, such as distributed generation units (DGs), electrical switchboards, steering systems, radio navigation equipment, cables, etc. It was a novelty but a necessity for the advancement of the Romanian shipbuilding industry and market,” he added.

Alewijnse Romania’s development progressed rapidly with more projects coming into the pipeline, not only from Damen but also from other clients including shipping companies and naval companies from the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, UAE, Oman, South Africa, Qatar and Ukraine. Since 2001, Alewijnse Romania has had its own panel construction and installation department and in subsequent years, Alewijnse opened other branches in countries such as Vietnam, Ukraine, Turkey and Qatar.

Successfully across borders

“This year marks 20 years of our presence in Vietnam, highlighted by successful panel-building and engineering projects for Damen and other customers and international partners,” said Dumitru Poperesniuc, Sales Manager International at Alewijnse: “In early 2025, we will restart operations in Antalya, Turkey. We recognise that the market for yachting and workboats is becoming more complex, creating a need for qualified, experienced local electrotechnical partners on-site, offering local content and full responsibility from engineering to installation and commissioning.”

While we previously established successful business partnerships in Ukraine and  Qatar, geopolitical challenges forced us to withdraw. Nevertheless, besides Turkey, we aim to return to the Middle East region and are actively seeking strong opportunities with partners and other renowned shipyards and shipping companies.”

Drive for innovation and technology

Another of the factors contributing to the company’s success has been its constant drive for innovation and technology. Gigi Saptelei, the current director of Alewijnse Romania, said: “Damen and other clients increasingly see us as a partner. Through our years of collaboration, we have built a great deal of trust and are being given more and more projects. They especially appreciate our ability to think along with them, together with our extensive expertise, flexibility, and quality of work. These are all factors that set us apart from our competitors.”

Doina Patriche, commercial manager at Alewijnse Romania, adds: “I am proud of all our colleagues who have dedicated themselves 100% every day to our company and our clients. Working for Alewijnse Romania has become a part of their lives. Together we have built a wonderful community, both professionally and personally. Thanks to their passion and relentless dedication, we are able to make all new-build and refit projects in Romania a great success.”