The January 1923 Occupation of the Ruhr was very damaging to the Dutch shipbuilding industry, especially in South Holland. In March 1923 there was a remark that J. &amp; K. Smit was exceptional by still working full hours with 700 men. All all other shipyards were doing short time in order not to have to lay off too many people. In June 1923 both shipyard still launched a dredging vessel, but in mid June 125 laborers were fired. In the next years the shipyard survived by building some small ships, dredging equipment, and Diesel engines.