The Noordkaap is a remarkable vessel, meticulously designed to meet the evolving demands of modern river transport.

The story of the Noordkaap began with a clear challenge: to transport 5,250 tons of oil with a draft of just 3.50 meters to Amsterdam. The answer? A beautifully crafted vessel, measuring 135 x 17.50 meters, which was carefully conceptualized by Ron Besjes in collaboration with KSB Design at the shipyard in Turnu Severin, Romania.

The design focus was placed on the underbody, especially the aft section, where the keel is extended over the final six meters and the flat plates rise smoothly to the tunnels. This innovative approach resulted in the Noordkaap achieving a speed of 20.6 kilometers per hour on its maiden voyage — 10% faster than comparable vessels with the same dimensions, tonnage, and engine power. This achievement highlights the craftsmanship and precision that went into the design.

The vessel was built by Shipyard Trico, with the hull constructed by Malbow Shipyard in Stettin, Poland. The Noordkaap became the first inland vessel built by this renowned maritime yard, and its construction was closely overseen by Ron Besjes, ensuring the ship was finished to an exceptionally high standard. The result is a vessel with flawless craftsmanship, from perfectly welded seams to precise dimensions. The quality of the work is evident in every detail, from the deckhouse to the engine room, making the Noordkaap a true masterpiece.

One of the standout features of the Noordkaap is its exceptional engineering, both in design and function. The Noordkaap features a sophisticated steering column, crafted with precision by EMS in collaboration with Marco Zijlmans of Miron. The column’s ergonomic design offers the crew unparalleled comfort, with a layout that reflects the designer’s attention to detail. The Noordkaap is equipped with a Blommaert mast, an Alphatron conning system, and Van der Velden rudders, ensuring smooth, reliable navigation, even when mooring with heavy loads.