Amer Shipping: building the future of inland shipping with CDS 110 vessels

For Amer Shipping, innovation and tradition go hand in hand. Based in Raamsdonksveer, the family-owned company has been active on Europe’s inland waterways for decades In the dry cargo sector, where innovation is not a luxury but a necessity.

In the dry cargo market only a limited number of new dry cargo vessels have entered service since 2008, while the existing fleet continues to age and challenges intensify — from rising energy costs and labour shortages to stricter regulations. Against this backdrop, Amer Shipping is choosing growth with vision. That vision is now taking shape in the form of three brand-new, sustainable vessels, all of them CDS 110 designs from Concordia Damen.

Commercial Supply Chain Manager Kai Winkelman explains how sustainability, efficiency and continuity drive Amer’s strategy — and why Concordia Damen plays an important role in it.

“With these vessels we are setting a new benchmark,” says Kai Winkelman, Commercial Supply Chain Manager at Amer Shipping. “They are faster, more fuel-efficient, and capable of operating even at low water levels.”

Amer Shipping’s investments go beyond the fleet itself: they extend to the entire logistics chain. Through Stream Shipping, a joint venture with German cooperative MSG eG, the company is building sustainable partnerships across the supply chain, including with shippers.

“We believe carriers can and should play an active role in the supply chains of their customers and partners,” Winkelman explains. “Transport reliability is key — and we can only guarantee that if we manage maintenance, planning and technical support ourselves.”

A new generation of vessels

The delivery of the Adriana Maria (renamed AM Voyager) marked the beginning of a series of new CDS 110 vessels for Amer Shipping. Soon after came the AM Explorer, followed by the Johannes Senior. These ships share a proven hull design developed by Concordia Damen: efficient, shallow-draught and with significantly higher loading capacity than comparable vessels.

“Thanks to the innovative hull design we can carry up to 200 tonnes more cargo than a comparable, standard 110-metre ship at the same draught on every trip. That makes us more efficient and sustainable with every tonne transported. That makes a huge difference, especially on the Rhine during low-water conditions,” says Winkelman.

The inland shipping market

Winkelman sees both challenges and opportunities in the inland navigation sector. Rising costs, ageing fleets and a shortage of skilled crew put pressure on the sector. At the same time, the need for environmentally friendly logistics has never been greater.

“The inland shipping sector is fantastic, and we can play a real role in reducing emissions. But we need shippers and charterers to join us in that journey. Partnerships are key — you have to do this together,” he emphasises.

That’s why Amer Shipping actively responds to these changes. With GP certification, the company is now able to transport consumer goods under strict quality standards. By deploying HVO100 biofuel, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to 90% compared to conventional gas oil. And with its own shipyard, Ruijtenberg Shipyard, Amer can guarantee continuity in both newbuild and maintenance.

Concordia Damen as partner

For Amer Shipping, Concordia Damen is more than just a supplier. The cooperation builds on shared values: efficient vessels that are prepared for the future. “We believe in step-by-step sustainability. Concordia Damen’s CDS 110 design gives us a proven platform with flexibility for alternative fuels and innovative solutions. That fits perfectly with our strategy to combine reliability with renewal,” says Winkelman.

Looking ahead

Amer Shipping transports around 8.5 million tonnes of cargo annually, including construction materials, agribulk and breakbulk. With its modern fleet, incl. the three CDS 110 vessels, the company is well positioned to expand further into agricultural commodities and new European trade routes, from the Upper Rhine to the Black Sea.

The message is clear: by investing in sustainable sailing and long-term partnerships, Amer Shipping is showing how the inland sector can continue to thrive. And Concordia Damen is proud to be part of that journey.