Although Smit International graced the marine industry with its presence in 1975, the company actually began in the mid-18th century as a shipbuilder, which would eventually evolve into its current state as a diversified marine service provider. Known as Smit International Singapore, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Smit International BV — a Dutch company listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Smit formed a regional office in Singapore as a strategic move for expansion in the Far East. It was quick planning on the part of the company as it noted the region's ever-growing significance, as well as its large potential as a maritime hub at that time.