Based in Terneuzen, the Netherlands, DIVER Underwater Contractors (often referred to as D.U.C.) is a specialized maritime service provider focused on subsea inspection, repair, and maintenance. Established in 1992, the company has evolved from a regional diving operation into a widely recognized entity within the European and international shipping sectors. Its headquarters places it in a strategic position to service the busy Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region, as well as nearby ports such as Vlissingen, Zeebrugge, and Calais.
The company’s primary operational mandate is to support the commercial shipping industry by enabling vessels to remain afloat during maintenance, thereby reducing the need for costly and time-consuming dry-docking. To achieve this, DIVER Underwater Contractors employs teams of certified commercial divers and technicians who execute complex tasks beneath the waterline. A significant portion of their work involves hull maintenance, including underwater hull cleaning and ecological propeller polishing. The latter process is designed to recover removed debris, aligning with environmental regulations in strict port environments while restoring vessel fuel efficiency.
Beyond routine cleaning, the company performs technical repairs using advanced methods such as the cofferdam technique. This approach allows divers to create a dry environment underwater, facilitating repairs on stern tube seals, bow thrusters, and hull plating that would typically require the ship to be hauled out of the water. The workforce includes certified underwater welders capable of performing permanent fixes on damaged steel structures. Additionally, the company conducts underwater class surveys and non-destructive testing (NDT), utilizing closed-circuit television (CCTV) and high-resolution photography to provide classification societies and shipowners with detailed assessments of a vessel's condition.
While commercial shipping remains its core market, DIVER Underwater Contractors also extends its expertise to the civil construction and salvage sectors. In the civil domain, the company assists with the maintenance of port infrastructure, including the inspection and repair of locks, sluices, pumping stations, and quay walls. Their divers are also equipped to handle underwater concreting and cutting operations necessary for infrastructure development. In salvage scenarios, the company provides rapid-response diving support to assess damage or stabilize vessels in distress. Through a combination of local rapid-response teams and a network of global alliances, the company maintains 24/7 readiness to address maritime emergencies and maintenance needs worldwide.
