Family businesses Amer Shipping and Van de Graaf & Meeusen establish Belgian chartering office TriBarge

Inland shipping firms Amer Shipping BV and Van de Graaf & Meeusen BV have jointly launched a Belgian chartering office called TriBarge. The two family-owned businesses have merged their expertise, networks, and skills into a single entity, signaling a long-term commitment. TriBarge specializes in chartering inland vessels within the ARA region, German canals, Moselle, and up to Basel.

Through its collaboration with Stream Shipping, a joint venture between MSGeG and Amer Shipping, TriBarge can extend its services as far as the Black Sea.

By combining forces, the two companies aim to offer shippers a wider range of services, greater continuity, and increased capacity across European inland waterways. Sander Meeusen, Director at Van De Graaf & Meeusen, emphasizes the personal touch that will continue to guide TriBarge's operations.

The founders share a long-term vision for the inland shipping industry, both in terms of chartering and asset investment. Sander notes that strategic investments in new vessels will position TriBarge as a reliable logistics partner with its own modern fleet. The first step has been taken with an 85-meter dry cargo vessel on order from Concordia Damen, set to be named Porta Sud.

Kai Winkelman, Supply Chain Manager at Amer Shipping, highlights the aging European dry cargo fleet, with 60% dating back to the 1960s or earlier. TriBarge and its partners see an opportunity to address this concern by bringing modern capacity to the waterways. The vessel, expected to enter service by the second half of 2027, will serve as the foundation for the joint fleet, demonstrating the partners' commitment to investing in inland shipping.

With the establishment of TriBarge, a new link has been created within the European waterway network, with Antwerp serving as its central hub. From the Tweede Havendok, close to the Moordtgat, TriBarge connects Northern and Southern European waterways. Devin van Dam will join the TriBarge team as a chartering broker on November 1, 2026, bringing valuable Belgian market knowledge and experience in European operational inland shipping.

This phased expansion will strengthen TriBarge's team in Antwerp, enabling the company to serve shipping companies, shippers, and independent skippers effectively across Belgium and beyond.