Belgium has a long history of shipbuilding and maritime trade, making it a hub for innovation and expertise in the shipbuilding and ship machinery sector.
Situated at the heart of Europe with access to major ports like Antwerp and Zeebrugge, Belgium offers excellent opportunities for international shipping and shipbuilding industries.
The industry requires engineers, technicians, and specialists in ship machinery, providing stable career prospects and competitive salaries for skilled workers.
Belgium’s shipbuilding sector emphasizes modern technologies, including sustainable ship design, advanced machinery, and eco-friendly solutions, offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
The sector fosters collaboration between universities, research centers, and companies, ensuring continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.
Belgium’s strategic ports, like Antwerp and Zeebrugge, make it a leading center for international shipbuilding and ship machinery, attracting talent from across the world.
International candidates can contribute to innovative ship designs, sustainable machinery, and modern naval architecture, blending technical expertise with creative problem-solving.
Belgium’s shipbuilding industry welcomes global talent, offering a culturally diverse workspace where international professionals can collaborate and thrive.
With growing emphasis on eco-friendly shipbuilding and advanced machinery, international candidates can be part of pioneering projects that reshape the future of maritime technology.
From engineering and project management to research and development, Belgium provides international professionals with clear career progression and opportunities to gain global experience.
Belgium specializes in constructing commercial vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, and container carriers, supporting its strong international trade sector.
The country also contributes to the design and construction of naval vessels, including patrol ships and defense-related craft, often in collaboration with European partners.
Belgium is known for building specialized ships such as dredgers, research vessels, offshore support ships, and luxury yachts, combining precision engineering with creativity.
Belgian companies develop and supply ship machinery including propulsion systems, diesel and hybrid engines, and advanced power solutions for efficiency and sustainability.
From navigation systems to cargo handling equipment, Belgium’s ship machinery sector produces essential components that support safe and efficient maritime operations.
With a strong focus on sustainability, Belgium invests in eco-friendly ship machinery such as LNG systems, electric propulsion, and emission-reducing technologies.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (per year) in EUR (€) |
In USD ($) |
In INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
€58,000 |
$63,800 |
₹53,36,000 |
|
Marine Engineer |
€55,000 |
$60,500 |
₹50,60,000 |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
€52,000 |
$57,200 |
₹47,84,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
€50,000 |
$55,000 |
₹46,00,000 |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
€48,000 |
$52,800 |
₹44,16,000 |
|
Project Manager (Shipbuilding) |
€70,000 |
$77,000 |
₹64,40,000 |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
€65,000 |
$71,500 |
₹59,80,000 |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
€40,000 |
$44,000 |
₹36,80,000 |
|
Quality Control Engineer |
€47,000 |
$51,700 |
₹43,24,000 |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Marine) |
€45,000 |
$49,500 |
₹41,40,000 |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
€46,000 |
$50,600 |
₹42,32,000 |
|
Marine Surveyor |
€60,000 |
$66,000 |
₹55,20,000 |
|
Propulsion System Specialist |
€55,000 |
$60,500 |
₹50,60,000 |
|
Shipbuilding Technician |
€38,000 |
$41,800 |
₹34,96,000 |
|
Dredging Engineer |
€62,000 |
$68,200 |
₹57,04,000 |
|
Offshore Vessel Engineer |
€63,000 |
$69,300 |
₹57,96,000 |
|
Research & Development Engineer |
€54,000 |
$59,400 |
₹49,68,000 |
|
Supply Chain Manager (Marine) |
€58,000 |
$63,800 |
₹53,36,000 |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Shipyard) |
€42,000 |
$46,200 |
₹38,64,000 |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
€56,000 |
$61,600 |
₹51,52,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related field. |
|
Technical Skills |
Knowledge of ship design, propulsion systems, CAD/CAM, welding, automation, marine machinery, or offshore engineering (depending on job role). |
|
Work Experience |
0–2 years for entry-level roles; 3–7 years for mid-level; 8+ years for senior or managerial positions. |
|
Language Requirement |
English is widely accepted in multinational companies; knowledge of French or Dutch is a plus and may be required for local shipyards. |
|
Work Permit / Visa |
Non-EU applicants require a Belgian Work Permit (Type B) or Single Permit; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a permit. |
|
Professional Certifications |
Extra value from certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), ISO Quality, Safety Management, or Welding/Automation credentials. |
|
Health & Safety Compliance |
Must pass mandatory medical tests and meet maritime safety standards. |
|
Soft Skills |
Teamwork, adaptability in multicultural environments, project management, and problem-solving skills. |
|
Age Limit |
No strict age limit, but most work permits are issued for candidates between 21–55 years. |
|
Recruitment Preference |
Candidates with expertise in sustainable shipbuilding, green technologies, and advanced marine machinery are in high demand. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
Design ship structures, ensure stability, safety, and efficiency of vessel layouts. |
|
Marine Engineer |
Develop and maintain ship propulsion systems, engines, and machinery. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
Work on 3D modeling, CAD drawings, and structural calculations for ship design. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
Design, test, and maintain mechanical systems like pumps, compressors, and engines. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
Manage shipboard electrical systems, automation, and power distribution. |
|
Project Manager (Shipbuilding) |
Oversee shipbuilding projects, budget, timelines, and team coordination. |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
Supervise shipyard activities, workforce, safety, and daily operations. |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication for ship structures and components. |
|
Quality Control Engineer |
Inspect materials, monitor construction standards, and ensure compliance with regulations. |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Marine) |
Create ship models and production drawings using CAD/CAM tools. |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
Implement maritime safety regulations and monitor workplace compliance. |
|
Marine Surveyor |
Conduct inspections, issue certifications, and ensure seaworthiness of vessels. |
|
Propulsion System Specialist |
Develop and maintain propulsion systems such as diesel, hybrid, or electric engines. |
|
Shipbuilding Technician |
Support construction, assembly, and installation of ship components. |
|
Dredging Engineer |
Design and manage dredging vessels and equipment for marine projects. |
|
Offshore Vessel Engineer |
Handle machinery and systems for offshore vessels, ensuring safe marine operations. |
|
Research & Development Engineer |
Innovate in green technologies, automation, and advanced ship machinery. |
|
Supply Chain Manager (Marine) |
Manage procurement, logistics, and material flow for shipbuilding projects. |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Shipyard) |
Plan and perform maintenance of shipyard equipment and marine systems. |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
Develop and integrate automation systems for navigation, safety, and machinery control. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
Bachelor/Master in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering; CAD/3D design skills. |
|
Marine Engineer |
Marine/Mechanical Engineering degree; knowledge of propulsion & engine systems. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
Degree in Naval Architecture/Mechanical Engineering; proficiency in CAD/CAM software. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
Mechanical/Marine Engineering degree; hands-on machinery maintenance experience. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
Electrical/Electronics Engineering degree; marine power system expertise. |
|
Project Manager (Shipbuilding) |
Engineering degree + PMP/Prince2 certification; 5+ years of project management experience. |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or equivalent; experience in shipyard/production ops. |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
Technical diploma/certification in welding; AWS/ISO welding certification preferred. |
|
Quality Control Engineer |
Degree in Engineering; ISO/QMS knowledge; QA/QC experience in shipbuilding preferred. |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Marine) |
Diploma/Degree in Design/Engineering; expertise in CAD/CAM tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks). |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
Engineering or HSE degree; NEBOSH/OSHA certification; maritime safety knowledge. |
|
Marine Surveyor |
Marine Engineering/Naval Architecture degree; IMO/STCW knowledge; survey certification. |
|
Propulsion System Specialist |
Mechanical/Marine Engineering; specialization in propulsion/hybrid systems. |
|
Shipbuilding Technician |
Technical diploma/ITI; hands-on shipyard training/experience. |
|
Dredging Engineer |
Civil/Marine Engineering degree; knowledge of dredging machinery and marine projects. |
|
Offshore Vessel Engineer |
Marine/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering; offshore vessel maintenance experience. |
|
Research & Development Engineer |
Master’s/PhD in Engineering; expertise in innovation, automation, or green technologies. |
|
Supply Chain Manager (Marine) |
Degree in Supply Chain/Engineering; logistics and procurement experience in marine industry. |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Shipyard) |
Mechanical/Electrical Engineering; practical experience in shipyard equipment maintenance. |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
Electrical/Electronics/Automation Engineering; PLC/SCADA/marine automation experience. |
Job Profile |
Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
2–5 years (entry to mid-level); 6–10 years for senior roles. |
|
Marine Engineer |
2–4 years; offshore or shipyard experience preferred. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
1–3 years with CAD/CAM; 5+ years for senior designer. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
2–5 years in machinery design/maintenance. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
2–4 years; marine or industrial automation experience. |
|
Project Manager (Shipbuilding) |
5–10 years, including team/project leadership. |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
7–12 years in shipyard operations or production management. |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
2–3 years shop/yard welding experience; senior roles 5+ years. |
|
Quality Control Engineer |
3–5 years in QA/QC, preferably in marine or heavy industry. |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Marine) |
1–3 years in CAD design; senior designers 5+ years. |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
3–6 years in HSE roles; NEBOSH/OSHA adds value. |
|
Marine Surveyor |
5–8 years in shipbuilding/operations before surveyor role. |
|
Propulsion System Specialist |
3–6 years in marine propulsion or engine systems. |
|
Shipbuilding Technician |
1–2 years hands-on training/experience in shipyards. |
|
Dredging Engineer |
3–6 years in marine/civil engineering projects. |
|
Offshore Vessel Engineer |
4–7 years in offshore vessels or machinery systems. |
|
Research & Development Engineer |
2–5 years (plus research background/PhD for advanced roles). |
|
Supply Chain Manager (Marine) |
5–8 years in supply chain/logistics, preferably marine sector. |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Shipyard) |
2–4 years in shipyard or heavy machinery maintenance. |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
3–6 years in automation, PLC/SCADA, or marine systems. |
Company Name |
Specialization / Focus Area |
Hiring Notes for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|
|
Damen Shipyards Group (Antwerp Branch) |
Shipbuilding, repair, and conversion of commercial & naval vessels |
Regularly hires engineers, naval architects, and project managers; English-speaking environment. |
|
Jan De Nul Group |
Dredging vessels, offshore construction, and marine engineering |
Recruits international marine engineers, dredging specialists, and offshore experts. |
|
DEME Group |
Dredging, offshore energy, and green shipbuilding technologies |
Strong focus on sustainability; hires global talent for R&D, marine engineering, and offshore roles. |
|
CMB (Compagnie Maritime Belge) |
Shipping, ship management, hydrogen-powered ships |
Attracts international professionals for ship machinery, propulsion, and green fuel innovation. |
|
ABC Engines (Anglo Belgian Corporation) |
Marine diesel & hybrid engine manufacturing |
Recruits engineers and technicians with experience in propulsion & machinery. |
|
Euronav |
Oil tanker operations, ship management, maritime technology |
Hires naval architects, marine engineers, and safety experts internationally. |
|
MAN Energy Solutions Belgium |
Marine propulsion systems, turbochargers, and ship machinery |
Known for hiring automation, propulsion, and maintenance engineers globally. |
|
Keppel Seghers Belgium |
Offshore and marine engineering, shipyard services |
Attracts international project managers, engineers, and technicians. |
|
Harland & Wolff (partnership with Belgian yards) |
Ship repair, heavy fabrication, offshore services |
Open to skilled trades and engineers from abroad. |
|
Van Oord (Belgium Projects) |
Dredging, offshore energy, marine construction |
Hires international engineers and project staff for Belgian offshore projects. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/year) |
General Job Requirements |
Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies in Belgium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
€58,000 |
BSc/MSc Naval Architecture; CAD/3D design skills |
Design vessel structures, ensure safety & stability |
Damen Shipyards, Euronav |
|
Marine Engineer |
€55,000 |
Marine/Mechanical Eng.; propulsion knowledge |
Maintain engines, propulsion, ship machinery |
DEME Group, Jan De Nul |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
€52,000 |
Naval/Mechanical Eng.; CAD/CAM software |
Create ship layouts, 3D models, design plans |
Damen Shipyards, CMB |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
€50,000 |
Mechanical Eng.; machinery maintenance exp. |
Design, test & repair pumps, compressors, machinery |
ABC Engines, MAN Energy Solutions |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine) |
€48,000 |
Electrical Eng.; automation systems knowledge |
Oversee electrical power systems onboard |
MAN Energy Solutions, DEME |
|
Project Manager (Shipbuilding) |
€70,000 |
Eng. degree + PMP/Prince2; 5+ yrs exp. |
Manage budgets, teams & shipbuilding projects |
Damen Shipyards, Jan De Nul |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
€65,000 |
Industrial/Mechanical Eng.; leadership skills |
Oversee daily yard ops, staff, and safety |
Keppel Seghers, Damen |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
€40,000 |
Welding diploma; AWS/ISO certification |
Fabricate ship parts, perform welding & cutting |
Harland & Wolff (Belgium), Damen |
|
Quality Control Engineer |
€47,000 |
Eng. degree; ISO/QMS knowledge |
Inspect materials, test quality, ensure compliance |
ABC Engines, DEME |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Marine) |
€45,000 |
Eng./Design diploma; CAD/CAM expertise |
Draft technical designs & 3D ship drawings |
Damen Shipyards, Euronav |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
€46,000 |
HSE/Eng. degree; NEBOSH/OSHA |
Enforce safety standards & maritime compliance |
CMB, Euronav |
|
Marine Surveyor |
€60,000 |
Marine/Naval Eng.; IMO/STCW knowledge |
Inspect ships, certify seaworthiness |
Bureau Veritas (Belgium), Euronav |
|
Propulsion System Specialist |
€55,000 |
Mechanical/Marine Eng.; propulsion systems |
Maintain & innovate propulsion engines |
ABC Engines, MAN Energy Solutions |
|
Shipbuilding Technician |
€38,000 |
Technical diploma/ITI; practical training |
Assemble, repair, and maintain ship structures |
Damen Shipyards, Harland & Wolff |
|
Dredging Engineer |
€62,000 |
Civil/Marine Eng.; dredging knowledge |
Design dredgers, manage marine excavation |
Jan De Nul, DEME |
|
Offshore Vessel Engineer |
€63,000 |
Marine Eng.; offshore experience |
Manage systems & safety on offshore vessels |
DEME, Van Oord (Belgium projects) |
|
R&D Engineer (Marine Tech) |
€54,000 |
MSc/PhD in Eng.; innovation skills |
Research green fuels, automation, efficiency |
CMB, DEME Innovation |
|
Supply Chain Manager (Marine) |
€58,000 |
Supply Chain/Eng. degree; 5+ yrs exp. |
Oversee logistics, procurement, marine supply |
CMB, Jan De Nul |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Shipyard) |
€42,000 |
Mechanical/Electrical Eng. |
Maintain yard equipment & ship machinery |
Keppel Seghers, ABC Engines |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
€56,000 |
Automation/Electrical Eng.; PLC/SCADA |
Develop automation & navigation systems |
MAN Energy Solutions, Damen |
Visa / Permit Type |
Who It’s For |
Key Features |
Duration / Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Single Permit (Combined Residence + Work Permit) |
Non-EU skilled workers hired by Belgian companies |
Allows residence + work in Belgium with one application; employer sponsorship required |
1–3 years, renewable |
|
Work Permit Type B |
Non-EU employees hired for specific jobs |
Employer applies on behalf of candidate; tied to one employer/job |
Usually 1 year, renewable |
|
EU Blue Card |
Highly skilled non-EU professionals (Bachelor/Master + high salary threshold) |
Easier mobility within EU; family reunification benefits |
Up to 4 years, renewable |
|
Work Permit Type A |
Non-EU workers with long-term work history in Belgium |
Independent from employer; freedom to change jobs |
Unlimited once obtained (after ~4 years of Type B) |
|
Work Permit Type C |
Non-EU residents on temporary stay (students, refugees, dependents) |
Allows short-term work in Belgium during stay |
Valid as long as residence permit is valid |
|
Professional Card (Self-Employed Visa) |
Self-employed engineers, consultants, marine specialists |
Required for freelance/independent work in Belgium |
2–5 years, renewable |
|
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit |
Employees of multinational companies transferred to Belgian branch |
Applies to managers, specialists, trainees |
1–3 years depending on role |
|
Researcher Visa |
R&D engineers and marine technology specialists |
Universities/companies sponsor researchers in innovation projects |
Valid for project duration (usually 1–3 years) |
|
Student Work Permit (during studies) |
International students in marine/engineering programs |
Allows part-time work (up to 20 hrs/week) |
Linked to study visa validity |
