New office in Antwerp focuses on Belgian and French shippers and offers a broad range of inland shipping solutions based on its own assets. The first newbuild vessel, the Porta Sud, is on order.

Inland shipping companies Amer Shipping BV and Van de Graaf & Meeusen BV have established an independent Belgian chartering office: TriBarge. The two family businesses are combining their experience, network and craftsmanship in one new company. By starting a new company with its own fleet, the two businesses want to show that this is not a temporary collaboration, but a long-term commitment.

TriBarge handles the chartering of inland vessels in the ARA region, the German canals, the Moselle and up to Basel. Through its partnership with Stream Shipping, a joint venture between MSGeG and Amer Shipping, the new company can serve locations as far as the Black Sea. In this way, TriBarge brings shippers and fleet management together. “By joining forces, we can offer customers a broader range as well as more continuity and capacity on all European inland waterways. The personal approach is already embedded in the partners’ way of working, and we are bringing it with us to TriBarge,” says Sander Meeusen, Director at Van De Graaf & Meeusen.

Investing together in the fleet of tomorrow

The founders share a long-term vision of inland shipping, both in terms of chartering and assets. Sander: “At a strategic level, investing together makes us stronger throughout Europe. In practical terms, investing in new vessels means that we can position TriBarge from the start as an experienced logistics partner with its own modern capacity on the water.”

The first step has already been taken. An 85-metre newbuild dry cargo vessel is on order at Concordia Damen and will be named Porta Sud. Kai Winkelman, Supply Chain Manager, Amer Shipping, says: “The European dry cargo fleet has aged considerably; 60% dates from the 1960s or earlier. Many shippers are concerned about this. We and our partners see an opportunity for those smaller vessels. In fact, we are actively seeking contact with skippers with whom we want to build partnerships. By bringing chartering brokers, shippers and carriers together, you ensure that we strengthen each other within the chain.”

The vessel, which is expected to enter service in the second half of 2027, forms the foundation of the joint fleet and underlines the partners’ will and ability to keep investing in inland shipping. The aim is for the Porta Sud not only to navigate the major rivers, but also to move through virtually all small ports, tributaries and canals.

Antwerp as a central hub

With the establishment of TriBarge, a new link is created within the European waterway network, with Antwerp as its central hub. From the Tweede Havendok, close to the well-known Moordtgat, TriBarge forms a bridge between Northern and Southern European waterways.

Kai Winkelman: “As family businesses, we think in generations, not in quarters. With TriBarge and the Porta Sud, we are making a deliberate choice for long-term growth within the European waterway network. Think of Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and other destinations.”

Strengthening the team

As of 1 November 2026, Devin van Dam will join the TriBarge team as a chartering broker. To support further growth, TriBarge is bringing in additional knowledge of the Belgian market and of European operational inland shipping practice: in Q2 2027, an experienced Belgian chartering broker will start. With this phased expansion, TriBarge is building a strong team in Antwerp, with the knowledge and capacity to serve shipping companies, shippers and independent skippers in Belgium and beyond in the best possible way.

Commenting on this, Devin says: “I am looking forward to helping build TriBarge from day one. The combination of two strong family businesses and a new vessel gives us a wonderful foundation for growth!”