Damen was navigating significant challenges in its quest for sustainability and digital transformation. With a vision to lead in sustainable shipbuilding while embracing cutting-edge digital technologies, the company faced several complexities. It needed to boost operational efficiency and adopt advanced data-driven methodologies to, among other things, optimize ship design and maintenance processes. The department that acts as the front runner in addressing these challenges is the Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) department. RD&I was tasked with developing digital tools to integrate data science into decision-making processes. To this end, the department asked Bright Cape to guide the Data Science team in maturing the RD&I data science team’s organization and way of working.

To tackle these challenges, Bright Cape adopted a systematic and collaborative strategy to bolster Damen’s data science capabilities. Identifying gaps in capacity and knowledge, Bright Cape worked closely with the company to craft a strategic roadmap (see Figure 1) for establishing a robust and future-proof RD&I data science team. This approach focused on immediate support and a long-term vision, enabling the team to effectively contribute to innovative maritime projects.

Central to this strategy was the development and deployment of tailored machine learning models to solve specific engineering and research challenges. Bright Cape utilized, among others, regression models, ideal for predicting continuous outcomes such as hull resistance. By leveraging these models, Damen could expedite the shipbuilding design phase. Some processes could even be shortened from weeks to days. This approach not only improved efficiency but also deepened the understanding of physical phenomena, supporting the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Bright Cape’s strategic and operational interventions have significantly transformed Damen’s RD&I department’s data science landscape. Over six months, Bright Cape defined seven strategic objectives that balanced long-term vision with immediate support, crucial for advancing the RD&I data science team’s capabilities. A clear mission and vision empowered the team, achieving full recognition by the wider department within a year. This recognition is demonstrated by the team’s involvement in over ten projects, highlighting the successful integration of data science into the core operations.

The impact of these initiatives is further emphasized by dedicating 20% of the team’s time to knowledge building. This focus on research, development, and innovation positions Damen as a leader in leveraging data science for maritime solutions. The structured approach not only strengthened the team’s sustainability but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that data-driven insights effectively support the company’s mission to remain competitive in the global maritime market.