KIVI (est. 1847) is the professional association of engineers in the Netherlands. The ceremony took place at Delft Technical University during the symposium ‘Maritime Manufacturing - Is there room for innovation in the boardroom?’ Both jury and speakers praised Mr Berkvens' long-standing role as an initiator and promoter of many commercial, organisational and strategic Damen successes as well as his contribution to the Dutch maritime industry.

In its considerations, the jury says: “René has realised that it is essential to maintain a close relationship between the company's sales strategy and its R&D in all facets of the company," and that "... the yard does not simply offer a product, but a service that the customer uses for years to come.” They also stated that Mr Berkvens clearly identified the importance of finding ways to participate in the development of the client’s business model.

"The world behind the technology - customer, earning power, organisation, knowledge, strategy and innovation – that is his world. Along with technical and leadership qualities, he brings a stimulating human spirit. This is his work and this is what makes him, as a modern-day shipbuilder, excellent."

In addition to his professional performance, Mr Berkvens was praised as an individual: "Not only does he command a well-phrased vocabulary, he can also be very charming... a man you can trust and to whom you would gladly commission a contract. And that is what matters when selling capital goods."

Since 2007, KIVI’s Maritime and Offshore sections award an Honorary Medal for Engineering to a person, company or organisation as "recognition for achieving exceptional results in and for the Dutch Maritime Industry."

Damen's CEO received the medal from the hands of the previous laureate (2013) Edward Heerma of Allseas. Earlier, the medal was awarded to Lex Keuning (2011, TU Delft), Joop Roodenburg (2009, Huisman) and Gerard Dijkstra (2007, Dykstra Naval Architects).

Vira Maritime