NPRC presents strategic course at 90th anniversary assembly

(Posted on 20/10/25)

The 90^th General Assembly of the inland shipping cooperative NPRC has highlighted the importance of growth as the foundation for innovation.

NPRC is the largest Dutch provider of inland waterway transport and, with 160 inland shipping companies as members, the largest inland shipping cooperative in Europe. Each year, NPRC transports more than 14 million tons of bulk, containers, and general cargo across European inland waterways.

Members, commissioners, and the management team of the largest collective of collaborating inland shipping entrepreneurs came together to discuss the strategic direction for the next five years, to approve the financial statements for the past fiscal year, and to celebrate the cooperative’s 90th anniversary.

A unique and diverse fleet of 160 vessels, ambitious entrepreneurial members from various countries, and long-standing customers form a strong foundation on the road to 2030. This course was jointly developed by the management, members, and staff, and presented during the General Assembly.

To maintain its position as an innovative frontrunner in logistics, achieving sufficient scale is crucial. Both in terms of volume and membership, NPRC’s strategy in the coming years focuses on further growth, with ambitious yet realistic targets. By 2030, the cooperative is expected to have approximately 200 members, collectively transporting 17.5 million tons of cargo. Over the same period, CO? emissions are projected to decrease by 20%.

CEO Femke Brenninkmeijer explained the new course: “European industry is under pressure, and as a result, logistics is experiencing turbulent times. Rising costs, shortages of personnel and vessels, and unpredictable energy markets are challenges that affect customers, logistics providers, and inland shipping companies alike.”

CFO Arno Treur added: “These are issues that we, as a cooperative, tackle together with our customers. At the same time, they are major challenges that require scale – and in this case, together we are stronger. Together, we create the space to continue investing in innovations in digitalisation, optimization, and emissions reduction.”

During the meeting, the members also reviewed the fiscal year running from April 2024 to March 2025, a year in which the transport of dry bulk in inland shipping showed only a limited recovery. The volume transported by NPRC rose to 14.3 million tons, further increasing the cooperative’s market share. As a result of this growth in tonnage, revenue also increased by 4.8%.

During the General Assembly, the anniversary of NPRC, founded in 1935, was also celebrated. The event provided an opportunity for members to say farewell to CEO Femke Brenninkmeijer, who will join Energie Nederland starting in December.

In a warm and personal farewell speech, Femke Brenninkmeijer reflected on the strength of NPRC: “Within NPRC, the strong collective and the trust between members, the office, and customers create a unique strength. A strength that has ensured continuity and reliability for our members for 90 years, and at the same time for our customers. With the course set toward 2030, this energetic 90-year-old cooperative will continue to deliver continuity and reliability in an innovative way.”