Dijvler expands into seagoing vessel market with Damen and Briese orders

Dutch winch manufacturer Dijvler is entering the seagoing vessel market with a new range of anchor and mooring winches, following orders from Damen Cargo Vessels and Briese Schiffahrt.

The expansion follows Dijvler’s acquisition of designs, drawings, certifications and related rights from C-Nautical. Over the past two years, the company has reviewed and standardised the designs to develop a range aimed at cargo vessels and offshore support vessels. The first deliveries are expected in 2027.

New winch range targets cargo and offshore vessels

Dijvler has supplied more than 2,000 winches to the inland waterway and short-sea sectors since it was established in 1977. The new range extends the company’s product portfolio into the broader seagoing vessel market.

The equipment has received type approval from Bureau Veritas and Lloyd’s Register, including Marine Design Appraisal, and is certified under current ATEX requirements. According to Dijvler, the certifications are intended to streamline the process from customer enquiries through detailed engineering and production.

Production will primarily be carried out at a partner facility in China, while Dijvler will retain responsibility for design, quality assurance and aftersales support from the Netherlands. Its facility in Hardinxveld-Giessendam can also be used for European production.

For vessels constructed in China, the arrangement allows shipyards to source equipment locally while vessel owners and operators retain access to Dijvler’s European service network.

Damen and Briese orders secured

Dijvler has already secured several orders from Damen Cargo Vessels and Briese Schiffahrt, with deliveries scheduled over the coming years. The company is also in discussions with other shipyards and has re-established contact with former C-Nautical customers.

Laurens van Gelder, Owner and Director of Dijvler, said the market had experienced pressure from competition based primarily on price, which he argued does not serve customers well over the long term.

He said anchor winches are expected to operate reliably for decades, requiring suppliers with the financial capacity and long-term commitment to provide service and support throughout the equipment’s operational life.

Dijvler said it will apply the approach used in its inland waterway and short-sea operations to the seagoing market, combining standardised equipment with long-term service and aftersales support.