Gorinchem (Netherlands South Holland)

Gorinchem (aka Gorkum) is a Linge River/Rhine River cruise port and town in the Netherlands's South Holland province, with population around 35,000. The town is served by two motorways (A15 and A27) and a train station on the railway linking Dordrecht with Geldermalsen.

The settlement was established in the 10th-century by fishermen and farmers and was first mentioned (as Gorkum) in 1224. The town received city rights in 1322. In 1417, the city was ranked Holland's 8th largest. In the 13th century were constructed the early city walls (with 7 gates and 23 towers). Major construction works (fortifications and new stone walls with 4 gates) were completed in 1609. In 1673, the town became part of Hollandsche Waterline (Old Dutch Water Line / water-based defenses).

In Gorinchem is headquartered Damen Group (1927-founded defense-, shipbuilding- and engineering company) which currently has 32 shipyards (40 drydocks) in 6 countries, including 14x facilities in The Netherlands. DAMEN constructs various types of marine vessels, including warships (corvettes, frigates, coast guard patrol boats), freighters (container carriers, tankers, heavy-lift ships, cargo ships) as well as passenger ships (catamarans and ferries) and superyachts. DAMEN's repair yards also service cruise ships.