history

Our Story

Herman Senior b.v. was founded in 1976 by Jack van Dodewaard. He named the company after his grandfather and originated from a family business which has its roots in the inland waters. The company initially started with one vessel named after Jack van Dodewaard his grandfather as well “Herman Sr” which was built in 1976.

HOW WE STARTED

The company started in 1976 as a one-man company. The small tug “Herman Sr” which sailed the Dutch and international waters for many years, did many various jobs during these years mostly for the dredging industry. For a complete overview of projects done by our vessels, please click here

SECOND VESSEL

Due to the requirement of more and larger tugs within the dredging industry, the decision was made to purchase a larger tug. In 1996 the new vessel came into the fleet named Tarka. This vessel was the second vessel ever build of this new type of shallow water tugs also known as Shoalbuster.

SHOALBUSTERS

After this type of ship had proved to be a huge success, there was decided in 2001 to replace the “Herman Sr.” with a brand new slightly smaller Shoalbuster. The ship received the name “Herman” which was named after the father of founder and managing director Jack van Dodewaard.

KEEP ON GROWING

During the years the Shoalbuster type kept proving itself, not only in the dredging industry but also in the offshore and several other industries. Over the years Herman Senior had many newbuild vessels build and sold as well, here is a small list of all vessels owned and operated by Herman Senior b.v. over the years:

Year

Name

Situation

1976

1996

2001

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2012

2012

2013

2015

2017

2019

2021

2023

2023

2024

2024

2025

2027

PRESENT AND FUTURE

Over the years, what started as a one-man operation has grown into a close-knit, family-owned company with over 50 colleagues. Together, we work across our vessels and at our office in Barendrecht, the Netherlands.

Today, Herman Senior b.v. is active in various parts of the maritime industry. With a fleet of thirteen vessels operating around the world, we remain committed to the same standards of quality and service we’ve believed in from the beginning. With the continued support of our clients, we’re ready to keep growing—steadily and reliably—just as we always have.