Feature, Freight News, Inland waterway


Dutch and Belgian inland shipping firms join forces

[ May 22, 2026   //   ]

Barge operator De Jong Shipping Group has acquired a minority stake in TransMatch.

The move gives the Rotterdam-headquartered company its first presence in Belgium, a market characterised by a strong local and family-oriented network.

TransMatch has a growing owned fleet with a strong commercial network and is active in the Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp region, Belgium, Northern France and parts of the Rhine and Moselle.

De Jong Shipping Group has a strong its position in push barge shipping, while TransMatch has a strong foundation in motor vessel shipping.

De Jong says the combination will increase flexibility in the deployment of tonnage and makes it possible to serve cargo flows more efficiently and broadly.

Pelger de Jong of De Jong Shipping said: “We see cooperation as a more effective way to grow than adding capacity in an already competitive market. TransMatch has a strong position in Belgian inland shipping and is deeply embedded in the local network. That combination of entrepreneurship and market knowledge fits well with our own way of working. This step enables us to further strengthen our position in inland shipping in a focused way and broaden our services further.”

He added that the combination of push barge shipping and motor vessels would make it possible to switch more efficiently between different modes while the fact that . TransMatch has its own fleet would contribute to more stable pricing in traditionally volatile market.

Lazlo Albrecht of TransMatch commented: “For us, this collaboration feels like a logical next step. Both De Jong Shipping Group and TransMatch are family businesses with a strong anchoring in the inland shipping sector. We share the same vision on entrepreneurship: short lines of communication, flexibility and focus on long-term relationships. By joining forces, we can accelerate further growth while at the same time maintaining our own identity and way of working. This collaboration creates additional opportunities for customers, vessel owners and partners in a rapidly evolving market.”

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