About Verhaar Omega
Verhaar Omega is a family-owned company founded by Jan Verhaar in 1967 and taken over by his son, Mark Verhaar, in 2008. While its roots are in the Netherlands, the company is also well represented globally through multiple sales and advisory agencies.
Verhaar Omega has been consistently delivering high-quality products and services for over fifty years. We provide excellence by continuously striving for innovation and adding value for our customers. To date, more than 5,500 ships worldwide have been equipped with a Verhaar Omega propulsion system, solidifying our strong position in the maritime industry. This reflects our commitment to quality, reliability, and service.
Verhaar Omega's initial focus was on inland shipping, with the company’s objective being to improve vessel maneuverability through the development and sale of bow thrusters. Today, however, Verhaar Omega is not only a market leader in manufacturing bow thrusters for inland vessels but is also specialized in providing complete propulsion systems. To ensure all Verhaar Omega products are developed in-house, we have a dedicated engineering department where all aspects of mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic component design are meticulously crafted.
At Verhaar Omega, fast yet professional service is a top priority. To ensure this, we offer a 24/7 service department.
The strength of our organization lies in our no-nonsense approach, combined with a strong focus on our core activities.
History
| 1967 | Founded by Jan Verhaar: activities focused on service and repair for inland shipping and the fishing industry. |
| 1967 | Introduction of the first bow thruster for inland vessels (VB series, port/starboard). |
| 1971 | Introduction of the 360-degree JET thruster. |
| 1975 | Introduction of the 360-degree canal bow thruster 3100 series. |
| 1976 | Breakthrough in bow thruster installations sales for the German inland shipping market. |
| 1984 | 1,000th bow thruster installation in operation. |
| 1990 | Son Mark Verhaar begins his career at Verhaar Omega as a mechanic. |
| 1998 | Introduction of the tunnel bow thruster. |
| 2002 | Mark Verhaar transitions from mechanic to Service Coordinator. |
| 2004 | Introduction of Marine Air & Nitrogen Equipment. |
| 2004 | After 14 years of hands-on experience, Mark Verhaar transitions to the role of Inland Shipping Sales. |
| 2005 | Introduction of the 360-degree steering grid series VBS Sr. |
| 2006 | Introduction of the 360-degree steering grid series “Direct Drive” with an angled propeller configuration. |
| 2008 | First partial share acquisition by Mark Verhaar & Dick-Jan de Blaeij. |
| 2010 | DST research on modifying channels in ship construction for improved thrust at higher sailing speeds. |
| 2012 | Introduction of the V-Pod: an electric propulsion system. |
| 2012 | Introduction of the new canal system type 4100 series. |
| 2013 | Second partial share acquisition by Mark Verhaar & Dick-Jan de Blaeij. |
| 2016 | Introduction of complete control systems for propulsion systems. |
| 2017 | Departure of Dick-Jan de Blaeij. Mark Verhaar takes over his shares. |
| 2017 | Introduction of the 360-degree V-JET bow thruster. |
| 2017 | Introduction of the newly designed steering grid series VBS Sr-N: more thrust & quieter. |
| 2018 | Verhaar Omega ISO 9001 certified. |
| 2018 | Introduction of newly developed controls, including preparation for autonomous navigation. |
| 2018 | First autonomous interface installed. |
| 2019 | DST testing & research for new patent on improved thrust of the canal system. |
| 2020 | Mark Verhaar takes over the remaining shares from Jan Verhaar. |
| 2020 | Introduction of the Verhaar Omega patented Equadrive: an electric propulsion system. |
| 2020 | Collaboration with machine factory De Waal for the sales and production of the newly developed Equadrive. |
| 2021 | 20 Equadrives and 20 bow thrusters sold in one series for autonomous vessels. |
Since the establishment of Verhaar Omega, approximately
5,500 installations have been sold worldwide since 1967!
Want to know more?
Make an appointment
T: +31 (0)252 745 300
E: info@verhaar.com
Visiting address
2222 BE Katwijk
On appointment
2992SR Barendrecht
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