About us
With a modern fleet of inland tankers, the Noordtrans Group specializes in transporting liquid cargo across the (V)ARA region.
For three generations, the company has navigated the Dutch, German, and Belgian inland waterways with a deep passion for the craft, its clients, and its team. As new opportunities arose within the river cruising sector, Noordtrans embraced this evolution, expanding its horizons.
Today, the fleet consists of four vessels, with a fifth currently under construction and set to join the fleet in May 2026.
This new addition, the third passenger ship, represents a significant milestone for the company and is poised to further elevate the Noordtrans experience.
Still proudly a family business, Noordtrans remains deeply rooted in its traditions and personal approach, while also embracing transformative growth. The vessels in the fleet shine with exceptional engineering, design, and quality—results of years of collaboration with dedicated personnel and long-term partnerships.
Mission Vision Statement
At Noordtrans, we’re building the most trusted name in inland shipping—where every vessel reflects our commitment to quality, every relationship is built on trust, and every client can count on seamless nautical management.
With a modern fleet, a tight-knit team, and a family-driven mindset, we choose long-term partnerships over quick wins and sustainable growth over shortcuts. Because real progress is built together—through craftsmanship, care, and connection.
Our mission is to empower visionary river cruise operators and liquid cargo partners with full-service nautical solutions that ensure safety, quality, and peace of mind.
From vessel management and maintenance to transport and operational support, we handle every detail with heart and precision. By combining deep-rooted expertise with a modern, forward-thinking fleet, we enable our partners to focus on what matters most—whether it’s delivering world-class hospitality or moving vital cargo with confidence.
A new direction
In 2021, Noordtrans B.V. began a new chapter by entering the passenger shipping industry. We purchased the Excellence Royal, a passenger vessel, from an experienced family in the cruise sector, who also provided us with valuable industry knowledge. With the combination of years of family experience in ship operations and the business and hospitality management expertise of both daughters, Dion and Romy, the family’s entry into the passenger market has proven to be a dynamic success.
Legacy on the water
What began as a small family endeavor has grown into a respected name in inland shipping. Over the years, Noordtrans B.V. has continually adapted and evolved, embracing new challenges and opportunities. From container transport and bunker shipping to tanker operations and river cruising, we’ve expanded our horizons while staying true to the values that define us: quality, reliability, and a strong commitment to safe, sustainable operations. As the family business continues to grow, we remain focused on delivering outstanding service and maintaining the high standards that have become synonymous with the Besjes name.
History
NOORDTRANS Group - designed to spread, trade and explore family owned business since 1970. A journey carved in water: the story of Noordtrans
Our story begins not just with a ship, but with a calling. Around 1984, the Besjes family set their course when Mom and Dad Besjes took command of the motor vessel Noordkaap. More than a name, Noordkaap became the soul of our company — a symbol of grit, legacy, and the unbreakable bond between family and water. It laid the keel for what would officially become Noordtrans B.V. in 2007, and continues to steer our story forward.
By 1987, the next chapter unfolded as Ron Besjes—young, driven, and deeply inspired by the rhythm of the rivers—joined the helm straight out of school. With sleeves rolled up, he dived into the build of the very first new Noordkaap, marking the moment the family realized the journey ahead would be long and uncertain—but theirs to shape.
Then came a pivotal year: 1995. The launch of the container vessel Noordkaap marked a powerful new current in our evolution. It wasn’t just a business expansion; it was a lifestyle, as Ron and his wife Desiree balanced the tides of family and entrepreneurship. This vessel would also welcome a helmsman who, to this day—28 years later—remains a loyal captain within our family.
A new horizon beckoned in 2003 when a broker offered us a chance to pivot into the world of bunker transport. With steady hands and open minds, we sold our container vessel and built our first bunkering tanker, Noordkaap, launched in 2004. This also marked the beginning of a lasting partnership with FTS Hofftrans—now Burando Barging.
The tide continued to rise. In 2005, we welcomed the tanker My Way, soon rechristened Noordpool. By 2009, we expanded again with the MTS Noordster, whose keel was laid far north at the historic Arkhangelsk shipyard, beside the icy White Sea.
In 2015, our flagship Noordkaap was born—a vessel that embodied decades of passion and experience. The year after, we waved goodbye to the old Noordpool and embraced a new chapter with the Luana, renamed in honor of its icy predecessor.
As our story gained momentum, 2020 brought another milestone: the launch of the MTS Noordpark. This vessel too carries the trusted Burando Barging name and was outfitted with hands-on dedication by the Besjes family themselves. With help from trusted partners like OSO, and many familiar hands, the Noordpark took shape with precision and pride.
Even more special, this chapter saw the involvement of the next generation—Dion and Romy Besjes—working side-by-side with the team during the outfitting process at Den Breejen Shipyard. They weren’t just learning a trade; they were stepping into a legacy.