Why Companionships build better ships

The Dutch village Stroobos is home of the shipyard of Barkmeijer, a village with around 300 inhabitants. Several years ago, officials suggested placing a screen to reduce noise. The result was unexpected, the people of Stroobos fought back: Barkmeijer is their shipyard and it was their noise and pride. They anticipate the day another ship is launched and head out on a massive scale.

For Barkmeijer it is clear: the best ships are not constructed by Barkmeijer single-handedly, but in co-operation. A process developed with the client and their own experts, but also includes the local electrician, carpenter and the inhabitants of Stroobos. These relationships are the base to the shipbuilding process of Barkmeijer of the last 165 years.

‘Building series of ships is our main job, but it’s the unique ships that show our passion’, says commercial director and co-owner Hans Veraart. These unique ships have been our focus for the last century and a half; it’s the Barkmeijer DNA. ‘Everybody here loves ships, even my children,’ states Veraart. ‘At the dinner table we discuss the potential of hybrid propulsion.’

On their way back from a potential client, Barkmeijer’s men start sketching and discussing solutions. They are eager to figure out which ship fits the client best, but remains close to the yard’s DNA. ‘There has to be a connection’, says Veraart. ‘That’s when Barkmeijer delivers the best product.’ Our clients are not buying in bulk, but want a custom product suited to their needs.

Barkmeijer realises complex projects by collaborating with about fifty regular suppliers and subcontractors. ‘They add knowledge to the ship.’ The specialists all originate from the traditional maritime cluster of Harlingen, Delfzijl and Kampen: an infrastructure Barkmeijer has invested a great deal in. ‘We have a shared responsibility in the success of our business here in the North.’ Achieving this for over 150 years is something Barkmeijer is very proud of.

That dedication is why customers return to the shipyard in Stroobos. ‘Our customers are our best salesmen, our ambassadors. You can’t argue with that.’ Hans Veraart shows a dozen photo-albums of all the ships Barkmeijer has delivered and how they’re used these days. ‘Look, this entire family works on one of our ships in the Arctic’, he says. ‘Isn’t it fantastic?’

Barkmeijer doesn’t just build a ship, but a companionship: a mate for life.