Maritime winch specialist Straatman acquires Kraaijeveld Winches
Straatman, the hydraulic presses and heavy winch specialist, has acquired Kraaijeveld Winches, strengthening its position in the maritime manufacturing industry.
Kraaijeveld Winches is a Dutch company specialising in the design and production of high-quality winches and related equipment for dredging, offshore, and maritime applications. Founded in 1927 by Cornelis Kraaijeveld, the company designs and manufactures winches for the maritime industry. Today it has added to its portfolio, introducing hydraulic power unites, electric switch boxes, control system, and frequency drives.
It has a state-of-the-art production hall in Sliedrecht, including a test facility with a capacity of 350 tons. Its expertise ranges from commercial shipping to offshore, inland going vessels, fishing, and dredging as well as slipways.
Straatman was founded in 1902 by Mr L. Straatman and Machinefabriek L. Straatman began its journey in Dordrecht, specialising in boiler construction and ship repairs. Over the years, it expanded its expertise to include the fabrication of hydraulic presses, heavy winches, and custom-built projects.
In 1965, the company entered the dredging market, developing a steel plate ball joint for floating pipelines in collaboration with Boskalis, marking the start in delivering dredging components worldwide. One of its flagship products is the bow coupling installation for hopper dredgers, enabling a swift connection between the ship and the floating pipeline.
In 1974, it initiated the production of container handling frames, also known as spreaders, with the guidance of ECT, followed by a complete range of quick release towing hooks and quick release mooring hooks.
A statement released by Straatman stated:
“Protecting and growing the Netherland’s strength in the maritime sector is essential by bringing together companies that share the same values: quality, reliability, excellent service, and continuous innovation.
“With Kraaijeveld joining the group, Straatman expands its capabilities and adds complementary products and expertise to its portfolio.”
Kraaijeveld’s winch technology and market knowledge perfectly complement the two existing Straatman businesses – Straatman Mooring Systems, known for advanced mooring solutions for ports and oil and gas terminals worldwide, and Straatman Dredging and Construction, which delivers dredging equipment and steel constructions.
Straatman’s statement continued:
“For Kraaijeveld’s customers and employees, the acquisition brings continuity and new opportunities. The company will continue to operate under its name, from the same location in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands, with the same people and the same trusted service. Nothing changes on the surface, but behind the scenes, there will be more collaboration, more shared expertise, and a stronger market position for all companies involved.
“This acquisition aims to secure the future of Dutch maritime manufacturing by building a group that stands together, thinks long-term, and delivers excellence. It will ensure that technical know- how, production power, and industry heritage stay firmly rooted in the Netherlands, where they have always belonged.”