In the inland shipping industry, it’s no longer just about steel construction Today, it is about building smarter, more efficiently, more sustainably, and above all, together.
The partnership between Rensen-Driessen and DMC (Damen Marine Components) demonstrates exactly what this looks like in practice. For more than 40 years, the two companies have worked side by side on the development of inland vessels — not through a traditional client-supplier relationship, but as true strategic partners.

Innovation: a seat at the table from the start
“We are always looking for ways to improve,” says Wim Driessen, Managing Director of Rensen-Driessen. “And we never do that alone. We involve DMC from the very beginning. We sit down together, exchange ideas, run calculations, make adjustments, and keep refining until everything is right.”

Over the years, this pragmatic approach has become a fundamental part of the design process. While many suppliers are only involved at a later stage, DMC participates from the outset.

Leo van Zon of DMC explains: “By contributing early in the process, we gain a much better understanding of what is needed, and the same applies the other way around. That leads to solutions you simply would not develop on your own.”

The relationship between DMC and Rensen-Driessen dates back to the Van der Velden era, before the company became part of DMC in 2018. Wim recalls: “Whenever I needed rudders, I would visit Leo at his office in Krimpen aan de Lek. We connected immediately. From day one, communication was direct and straightforward. Leo always brought valuable insights and innovative products to the table. He actively thought along with us, and the result was ships that sailed faster or consumed less fuel. It is simple: when you work together closely, you create better products.”

Leo adds: “You also develop a much deeper understanding of each other’s way of working.”

From experience to new standards
For decades, Rensen-Driessen has been building tanker and inland shipping series, while DMC has supplied steering systems, nozzles, rotor management systems, flex tunnels, and other advanced solutions. Projects such as the well-known “Moneymaker” vessels laid the foundation for further optimisation of both ship designs and onboard systems.

In addition, Rensen-Driessen designs and builds LNG tankers for coastal and inland operations — including the gas tanks themselves — as well as river cruise vessels, seagoing flattop barges, bunker vessels, and even floating docks. At present, the company also has 22 river cruise vessels on order.

Their philosophy is clear: standardisation where possible, customisation where necessary.

“That also applies to our hull transport operations from China,” says Wim. “We manage those ourselves through our subsidiary, Maritiem Services.”

Developing the next generation together
A recent example of the close cooperation between the two companies is the development of a renewed series of 4,000 DWT inland tankers (135 x 11.45 metres).

Leo explains: “These twin-screw vessels will feature a fully optimised stern design with enlarged propellers, integrated flex tunnels, a six-rudder system, nozzles, and steering machines — all specifically developed for this vessel type. At the bow, the ships will be equipped with the RMS 2000V, DMC’s active bow rudder system, which improves course stability when sailing unloaded. We expect this to become our best ‘Moneymaker’ design yet, while also being flexible enough to operate fully electrically on fixed routes.”

“These kinds of solutions do not come from a catalogue,” he continues. “You develop them together, step by step.”

“Such a process takes time,” Wim adds. “But the result is a vessel that genuinely performs better: lower fuel consumption, improved sailing characteristics, enhanced safety, and greater control. That is what innovation is really about — practical solutions that deliver results.”

Trust as the foundation
This way of working depends on trust, and according to both companies, that trust is firmly established.

“The lines of communication are very short,” says Wim. “If I call or text Leo, I receive an immediate response. That may sound simple, but it is essential in our business.”

Leo agrees: “We know how much effort everyone puts into these projects. You never want to become a bottleneck — you want to help move things forward.”

Rensen-Driessen operates globally, with projects across Europe and Asia and activities in multiple countries. Yet despite the scale, the collaboration remains highly personal — something both companies consider essential to maintaining quality and enjoying the work they do together.

Looking to the future
The maritime industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by new vessel concepts, further system integration, increasingly efficient designs, and changing regulations.

With dozens of active projects running simultaneously and teams based in the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and China, maintaining structure is essential.

“At our partner shipyards in China and Romania, we have our own site supervisors on location,” says Wim. “In addition, we have 40 draftsmen at our office in Poland and a team of 14 people here in Zwijndrecht. This allows us to provide clients with a complete package while maintaining full control over quality and execution.”

Amid this complexity, one factor remains constant: close cooperation with trusted partners.

“Never change a winning team,” Wim says with a smile. “We do not own a shipyard ourselves. We build wherever it makes the most sense at that moment. Partners like DMC allow us to guarantee both quality and performance.”

Leo concludes: “We continue to challenge and support each other. That is the foundation of this partnership — and the key to the future.”