Thriving in inland shipping and keeping a family business future-proof requires making clear choices – especially when you do so together with your brother and the next generation. At Wijgaart Shipping, those choices are no coincidence, but the result of a well-thought-out vision on shipbuilding, efficiency and family values.

Together with Damen Marine Components (DMC), the family-owned company is developing a new series of inland tankers that stands out for its reliability, standardisation and long-term future readiness.

From a single vessel to a fleet
John van de Wijgaart, CEO of the Wijgaart Group, built the company together with his brother Addie into a modern shipping company operating a fleet of twenty vessels and employing over 160 people.
“We operate mainly in the ARA region and on the Rhine. Our strength lies in scale, standardisation and being a good employer,” he explains. “For smaller shipowners, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay afloat, partly due to regulations, certification, HR and maintenance requirements. We provide structure and continuity.”

That continuity now takes shape in a new series of five twin-screw tankers: three vessels of 135 metres and two of 110 metres, all with a beam of 11.45 metres. The vessels are being built or have been built at SY Kladovo in Serbia (Gebr. De Jonge Shipbuilding Services B.V.) and are being outfitted by Scheepstechniek Drechtsteden in the Netherlands.
“And partly under our own management,” John adds. Formerly director of inland shipyard Trico, he enjoys being closely involved again. “It takes a lot of time, but it’s also great fun.”

All vessels in the series feature exactly the same stern design, with standardised propulsion systems, rudders and steering gear, hydraulics and bridge equipment supplied by DMC, combined with Optima nozzles. The first tanker in the series, MTS Maryland, is already in operation. The remaining vessels are scheduled to enter service in February, July and November 2026, and June 2027.

Standardisation as a strategic choice
“For us, standardisation is not a limitation – it’s a strength,” John says. “It makes maintenance more efficient, training easier and spare parts faster available. Even HR and planning benefit: everyone knows where everything is.”

Leo van Zon, responsible for the DMC scope within this series, elaborates:
“Together, we optimised a stern design that perfectly matches the selected propellers and the vessel’s sailing characteristics. The rudders are positioned slightly further apart than usual, the standard rudder profile was adapted, and we use larger rudder blades that are precisely matched to the larger propellers applied. So there is still a degree of customisation. The result is a stable, an efficient vessel that maintains its course effortlessly.”

Sustainability without dogma
Although Wijgaart Shipping applies modern Stage V engines, John takes a pragmatic view on the much-discussed ‘holy grail’ of zero emissions.
“The hydrogen market is not yet mature. For now, we choose proven technologies that deliver lower emissions, higher efficiency and a longer vessel lifespan.”

The MTS Maryland is a good example. During sea trials in October, the vessel reached a speed of 21 km/h with a cargo of 3,050 tonnes, consuming just 2 x 240 litres of fuel per hour.
“It’s one of the most fuel-efficient vessels in our fleet,” John notes, adding that even higher efficiency is achieved at lower sailing speeds with a loaded vessel.

Leo explains the optimisation process:
“To achieve this performance, we had many in-depth discussions. Alternative hull optimisations or smaller propeller diameters can be beneficial, but they also reduce efficiency. So we asked ourselves: where can we still gain? We ended up increasing the size of both propellers. Larger propellers require more water flow, which we solved by adapting the hull form. Then we revisited the rudder positions and selected the right profiles to ensure everything worked together seamlessly. That’s how this series of modern Rhine tankers was born.”

John adds with a smile:
“We came up with that ourselves – right here at the table with Leo. That’s how we found the golden mean. Our priority with these vessels is fuel-efficient straight-line sailing.”

Moving forward together
Both parties describe the cooperation between Wijgaart Shipping and DMC as highly positive. “We know each other well, we can challenge each other and exchange ideas. That openness leads to better solutions,” says John.

Leo agrees: “I really appreciate the opportunity we get as DMC to think along. Wijgaart Shipping is always looking to innovate and further develop. It’s a customer that comes to the table with its own proposals, for example regarding propulsion and steering gear. We always work it out together. You have a knowledgeable partner you’re happy to go the extra mile for. And building relationships with the next generation as well makes the work even more enjoyable and meaningful.”

In the coming years, the additional tankers that have already been ordered will be built – an investment in the future of both the company and the family.
“We have a wonderful family business, and our children are keen to become actively involved,” John concludes. “All five children of Addie and myself will become co-owners of the Wijgaart Group. That gives me a lot of energy to build this series: a fleet that is ready for the future, with DMC thinking along every step of the way. Yes, we are really picking up speed now.”