127 INTERVIEW Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard was founded in 1947, based in the municipality of Hardinxveld-Giessendam on the banks of the Merwede river. The shipyard has now been involved in constructing river cruise ships for almost 25 years. “We are a family business with a strong commitment to the work we deliver,” says Wouter Henstra, commercial director of Den Breejen Shipyard. “Our mission is to deliver innovative, high-quality products and services, and safety, efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction is of central importance to us.” Since the delivery of the first river cruise ship in 2020, the yard has built 45 more vessels for a variety of river cruise operators. “Many ships go to regular customers from the USA and Australian shipping companies as well as European owners, but all of our international clientele sail in Europe,” explains Henstra. “These operators mainly serve customers travelling from their own country, offering them river cruises in Europe.” Den Breejen’s latest river cruise ship was delivered in 2023 for a Swiss shipping company, Thurgau Travel. The 135-metre-long Thurgau Gold is equipped with a battery system which provides power when the ship’s first diesel generator reaches peak load, saving fuel. The vessel is also equipped with a heat recovery unit, which uses residual heat from the engine to warm the water onboard. “Thurgau Gold is a signature project of the shipyard and the flagship of Thurgau Travel,” says Henstra. “The vessel has received a Gold Green Award certificate for sustainable ships, the highest achievable certificate in its class.” In 2024, Den Breejen began building a new ship for an undisclosed luxury river cruise operator and also signed a construction agreement for a 135-metre-long river cruise ship with Transcend Cruises. Delivery is scheduled for late 2025 and a second ship will follow in 2026, subject to additional financing. “These new contracts are testament to Den Breejen’s expertise in building exceptional ships, and we are grateful for the trust and confidence our clients have given our team,” says Henstra. Building exceptional river experiences Alex Smith asks Wouter Henstra of Den Breejen Shipyard about the shipbuilder’s heritage and latest river cruise ship projects “ These new contracts are testament to Den Breejen’s expertise in building exceptional ships” Den Breejen Shipyard will deliver Transcend Cruises’ new river cruise ship in late 2025
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