When others say no, they say: “Let’s go!”
2025-07-29
Meet Kaayman Engineering: They bite, hold, and twist until the solution is perfect
From reverse engineering ship stabilisers to building combat robots just for fun—Kaayman Engineering doesn’t shy away from complex challenges. Founded in 2019 by Kay Duyck, this Belgian company has grown from a one-man mechanical design office into a full service engineering and production partner. A key force behind Kaayman’s success is Bart Yzewijn, co-founder and a genious in advanced 3D scanning and solution wizard within the software.
Today, Kaayman offers design, production and installation under one roof—They are stretching the limits of what’s possible and they're just getting started.
Can you tell us about Kaayman Engineering and how it started?
Kaayman was founded in 2019—just before the COVID pandemic. It was a challenging time to launch a business, but thanks to strong relationships in the offshore sector, we were able to keep going and growing. Within a year, new team members joined, and today we have a team of eleven, including full-timers and specialists in engineering and installation. What started as a solo venture has quickly evolved into something much bigger—and better.
What kind of services do you offer?
We started as a pure engineering office, mainly focused on mechanical design. But over time, we felt the need to take more ownership over our work and unburden the client. That’s why we transitioned into a one-stop shop—from design to production to installation. To make that happen, we partnered with a construction company, ensuring everything we design can also be built and delivered by our extended team. This allows us to provide consistent quality and accountability throughout the process.
What makes Kaayman unique?
Most producers look for engineering capacity to execute their ideas. We work the other way around: we start from engineering, and only then move to production. Engineering is the heart of our company—it shapes every decision, every solution. We don’t manufacture products that weren’t designed by us, which keeps the process efficient and ensures we deliver smart, buildable outcomes.
We’re also known for saying “yes” when others say “no.” Complex challenges don’t scare us. On the contrary, they motivate us and exite us!
What kind of projects are you most proud of?
One standout example is a project where we completely reverse engineered a stabiliser wing for a ship—it had persistent failures, so we reworked the entire component to improve function and durability. Another fun story is a side project we’re working on internally: building a combat robot, inspired by the BBC show Robot Wars. No client involved—just a passion project to show off what our team can do. It’s a great showcase of creativity and technical synergy.
Do you already have experience with seaweed or ocean farming?
Not yet. But we’re not afraid to dive in. Our current scope in seaweed is mainly technical: designing efficient harvesting systems, improving logistical processes, and making sure everything is fit for production. While we don’t claim deep expertise in algae cultivation, we do bring experience in problem-solving and mechanical design that can translate across sector.
What are the biggest challenges for you at the moment?
We want to increase our visibility. We’re growing fast, but we’re still relatively unknown in some industries. That’s why we’re joining networks like North Sea Farmers—to meet like-minded people with bold ideas, and to show how we can help turn those ideas into reality.
What are you hoping to find in the North Sea Farmers network?
We’re looking to connect with people who have big visions but might need help making them real. If you’ve got an idea that’s a bit out there, or a challenge others shy away from, we’re probably the right people to talk to. We start every project with a blank page and an open mind—and we love finding simple, practical solutions to seemingly complex problems.
🌊 Want to meet more innovators like Kaayman Engineering?
Join us on 28 October 2025 aboard the iconic SS Rotterdam for North Sea Seaweed 2025, where engineers, seaweed growers, entrepreneurs and researchers from across Europe gather to connect, collaborate and shape the future of seaweed and marine innovation.
