Amer Shipping and Van de Graaf & Meeusen establish inland shipping venture
Dutch inland shipping companies Amer Shipping BV and Van de Graaf & Meeusen BV have established TriBarge, a new independent chartering company based in Antwerp, Belgium, targeting shippers across the European inland waterway network.
The joint venture brings together the experience, commercial networks and operational capabilities of the two family-owned businesses, with a particular focus on Belgian and French customers. The company will provide inland shipping solutions supported by its partners’ existing activities and plans to develop a dedicated fleet.
TriBarge will arrange inland vessel charters across the Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp (ARA) region, German canals, the Moselle and routes extending to Basel. Through its partnership with Stream Shipping, a joint venture involving the founding companies, the business will also be able to serve destinations as far as the Black Sea.
New dry cargo vessel ordered from Concordia Damen
Alongside the establishment of TriBarge, the founding companies have placed an order for an 85-metre inland dry cargo vessel with Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen.
The vessel, to be named Porta Sud, is expected to enter service during the second half of 2027. It will form the foundation of the partners’ planned joint fleet.
According to the companies, the newbuilding is intended to operate not only on major European rivers but also on smaller waterways, canals and inland ports.
The investment reflects the partners’ strategy of developing modern vessel capacity for European dry cargo transport, particularly in smaller vessel segments.
Amer Shipping Supply Chain Manager Kai Winkelman noted that a significant proportion of Europe’s inland dry cargo fleet is ageing, creating a need for investment in replacement tonnage.
Antwerp to serve as central chartering hub
TriBarge will operate from Antwerp’s Tweede Havendok, positioning the company within a major European inland shipping and logistics hub.
The business aims to connect shippers, vessel operators and freight charterers across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and other European markets.
As part of its organisational development, Devin van Dam is scheduled to join TriBarge as a charterer on 1 November 2026. An experienced Belgian chartering professional is also expected to join during the second quarter of 2027.
The partners intend to expand the company’s commercial capabilities alongside their investments in inland vessel capacity.
The establishment of TriBarge and the planned introduction of Porta Sud represent a longer-term commitment by the two family-owned companies to European inland waterway transport.
