Dutch inland shipping companies Amer Shipping BV and Van de Graaf & Meeusen BV have partnered to create TriBarge, a new chartering office situated in Antwerp, Belgium. This joint venture aims to serve shippers in Belgium and France, offering comprehensive inland waterway transport services throughout large parts of Europe. The collaboration underscores a strategic move to expand their presence in the European inland navigation market.
In addition to establishing TriBarge, the two family-owned businesses are making a joint investment in fleet expansion. The first new vessel ordered is an 85-meter inland waterway ship, signaling their commitment to modernizing their fleet and enhancing capacity. This investment is expected to support the new chartering office's operations and improve service offerings.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, the launch of TriBarge signifies an increased option for inland waterway transport, particularly for cargo moving between Belgium, France, and other European destinations. The addition of new vessel capacity could lead to more reliable scheduling and potentially competitive rates for barge services, offering an alternative or complement to road and rail for certain cargo types. This development could be beneficial for optimizing multimodal supply chains and reducing road congestion.
