01
1976
The first Herman Sr
Jack van Dodewaard starts the company with one small tug, primarily serving the dredging industry.
A FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1976
Built on trust. Driven by seamanship.
From one small tug to a versatile fleet operating worldwide. This is the story of Herman Senior.
OUR STORY
Rooted inland. At home at sea.
Herman Senior B.V. was founded in 1976 by Jack van Dodewaard and named after his grandfather. What began with the tug Herman Sr grew into a close-knit family business with a strong reputation in the dredging and offshore industries.
Those family values remain unchanged: direct communication, personal responsibility and doing what is needed to deliver every project safely and well.
We continue to grow, while working with the same commitment as when we started with a single vessel.
ALMOST FIVE DECADES ON THE WATER
Milestones that shaped our course
02
1996
Tarka joins the fleet
The second Shoalbuster ever built marks the move towards more powerful shallow-water operations.
03
2006
The current fleet begins
Shoalbuster Baloe is delivered and remains a trusted part of the fleet today.
04
2023
New scale and capability
The acquisition of ST Marine Support adds Nero, Odin and Auxilia to the organisation.
05
2025
A new home base
The new office and warehouse in Zwijndrecht bring operations, logistics and people closer together.
06
2027
MPV Smokey
A new multipurpose vessel is under construction, representing the next step in our development.
FLEET DEVELOPMENT
Vessels that are part of our story
A complete overview of the vessels and important company developments since 1976.
YearVessel or milestoneStatus
Herman Sr
Sold in 2001
Tarka
Sold in 2003
Herman
Sold in 2006
Tarka (2)
Sold in 2010
Baloe
Currently owned
Yogi
Currently owned
Tarka 3
Sold in 2013
Baloe 2
Sold in 2013
Albatross
Sold in 2018
Siskin
Currently owned
Bommel
Currently owned
Barney
Currently owned
Panda
Currently owned
Teddy
Currently owned
Brutus
Currently owned
Acquisition ST Marine Support
Nero, Odin and Auxilia added
Bella
Currently owned
Boo-Boo
Currently owned
Building plot with own quay wall
Currently owned
New office and warehouse
Delivered in Zwijndrecht
MPV Smokey
Currently under construction
Active or in development
WHO WE ARE
A dependable maritime partner, generation after generation
Family business
Personal commitment, direct communication and a team that takes responsibility.
Practical seamanship
Experienced people who combine vessels and equipment intelligently for the job on the water.
Worldwide capability
From inland waters to offshore locations, our fleet supports projects around the world.
PRESENT AND FUTURE
Looking ahead on the same steady course
Today, more than 50 colleagues and thirteen active vessels support maritime projects worldwide. MPV Smokey is currently under construction for planned delivery in April 2027, bringing the fleet portfolio to fourteen vessel profiles.
Explore our workboats →MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
Want to know what our experience can do for your project?
Discuss your scope, location and schedule directly with our chartering team.