TriBarge: A Belgian chartering office that is independent

An 85-metre newbuild dry cargo vessel is on order at Concordia Damen and will be named Porta Sud. Kai Winkelman

A broad range of inland shipping solutions based on its own assets is offered by the new office in Antwerp, which focuses on Belgian and French shippers. The first newbuild vessel, the 85-metre Porta Sud, has been ordered.

The inland shipping companies Amer Shipping BV and Van de Graaf & Meeusen BV have set up an independent chartering office in Belgium: TriBarge. The two family businesses are pooling their experience, networks and expertise in this new venture. By establishing a new company with its own fleet, the two businesses are demonstrating their commitment to this collaboration as a long-term endeavour.

TriBarge is responsible for chartering inland vessels in the ARA region.

TriBarge specialises in chartering inland vessels in the ARA region, the German canals and the Moselle, as well as up to Basel. Through its partnership with Stream Shipping — a joint venture between MSGeG and Amer Shipping — the company can now serve locations as far afield as the Black Sea. TriBarge thus 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.”

 A newbuild dry cargo vessel 

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. Our partners and we 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 foundation of the joint fleet 

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!”

About TriBarge

TriBarge is an independent Belgian chartering office in inland shipping, founded by Amer Shipping BV and Van de Graaf & Meeusen BV. The office is based in Antwerp and focuses on the Belgian and French shipper market. TriBarge transports all types of dry cargo and is also active in the general cargo and breakbulk market. The partners are jointly investing in new vessels, starting with the Porta Sud (85 metres). 

Source: Press - release received by Maritime Tickers

#Amer Shipping BV #TriBarge #Van de Graaf & Meeusen BV #. Kai Winkelman #MSGeG #German canals # Concordia Damen #Porta Sud #European waterway network # Antwerp