NEWS

The first zero-emission transports with push barges propelled by an electric pusher have been successfully sailing between Amsterdam and Zaandam for some time already. However, Jansma Shipping is adding a revolutionary business model to this form of transport: manufacturers will soon be able to lease these emission-free combinations directly from Jansma. Furthermore, Jansma breathes new life into ships by transforming depreciated inland vessels into push barges.

“Not everyone in the industry may be thrilled about this,” André Jansma remarks repeatedly as he outlines the lease structure for zero-emission transport on Dutch inland waterways. “We intend to work directly with the manufacturer to design custom-made pushers and barges tailored to the specific transport flow, right down to the company colours and the manufacturer’s logo. This direct collaboration, however, does mean bypassing a few traditional links in the logistics chain.”

Zero-emission 

Let’s take a step back. André Jansma is the owner of Jansma Shipyard in Rotterdam, a shipyard with a strong foundation in offshore and seagoing shipping. Over the years, it also secured notable orders from inland shipping. However, Jansma reflected, “There are already plenty of excellent shipyards building 110- or 135-meter inland tankers. There is no need for me to add to that. Instead, I have spent the last few years looking into the possibilities for zero-emission inland navigation. 

Jansma Shipyard previously built the barges for the 2023 commissioned combination - propelled by a KOTUG E-Pusher - that transports cocoa beans between Amsterdam and Zaandam. A similar combination is being developed for ROS sand transports. With this, Jansma is adding a new dimension by incorporating both the lease construction and the transformation of existing vessels into push barges.

New function

The latter, of course, makes a huge difference in the combination Jansma has sketched out: a pusher with four converted motor vessels as barges in front of it. “ We use vessels that would otherwise be destined for scrapping. By repurposing them in this way, we give these vessels a new function. For its conversion into push barges, you only need 10 to 15 tons of new steel, instead of the 350 tons required for new build. This significantly reduces your ecological footprint.”

Additionally, there are more obvious advantages to this form of inland navigation. Pushing four barges with one pusher offers significant cost savings. Moreover, this mode of transport helps maintain high efficiency, even in the face of the widespread personnel shortage in the sector.

Lease

It’s a new approach, especially with the option for corporate companies to lease these fully zero-emission sailing units.”Naturally, a company doesn’t want a ship on its balance sheet. That’s why we offer this alternative, and through direct contact with the end customer, we identify all their needs and ensure we meet them completely.”

“In December, the first combination will come into service for the cocoa company off, which we have built in this way. I didn’t know much about cocoa beforehand,” Jansma laughs, “ But they create different blends, and we can play into this by providing the right number of holds so each blend can be transported separately across the four barges. Additionally, we can customize the vessels with the company’s name, colours, and/or logos. This way, to the outside world, customers, and clients, you can still show: ‘we have our own fleet, and we are emission free.’”

André Jansma has presented his plans in Brussels and in several provincial offices in the Netherlands, where they were met with great enthusiasm. This, among other things,, has already resulted in Port of Zaandam reserving three exclusive mooring points Jansma’s combinations. Several companies are also ready to join in, following ofi’s upcoming debut. “We can transport any kind of dry cargo this way. We already handle cocoa and sand, and we have requests lined up for waste and other dry goods. The concept is, in essence, very simple. And that’s its strength.”

Jansma Shipping

The leasing of electric push combinations is managed through Jansma Shipping, the company André Jansma established specifically for this service. Naturally, Jansma Shipyard continues to operate as well, maintaining all the staff and craftsmanship that customers are accustomed to.