Deal Drechtsteden

Strategic partnership for maritime systems innovation. TNO‑ESI and Deal Drechtsteden join forces to strengthen systems development in the maritime manufacturing industry.
TNO‑ESI and Deal Drechtsteden have entered into a strategic partnership to support the maritime manufacturing industry in the Drechtsteden, Rotterdam region. The collaboration focuses on a shared challenge: gaining control over the rapidly increasing complexity of systems driven by robotisation and digitalisation, in order to reduce development time and costs.

Managing growing system complexity

The maritime sector is facing profound changes. Systems are becoming smarter, supply chains more interconnected, and technologies increasingly interdependent. By applying system-level thinking early in the design phase, such as performing virtual tests before construction, shipyards can validate whether, for example, a robotic arm can reach all required components. This prevents costly redesigns later and enables “right-first-time” engineering. Achieving this requires new ways of designing, developing and collaborating across the ecosystem.

Connecting expertise to industrial practice

By joining forces, Deal Drechtsteden and TNO‑ESI directly connect leading Systems Engineering expertise with the day-to-day practice of maritime companies. Deal plays an active role in mobilising the regional ecosystem, among others through initiatives such as Werf van de Toekomst Drechtsteden–Rotterdam and the STREAM programme, which focuses on robotisation. The partnership with TNO‑ESI further strengthens these efforts.

“Companies want to move forward, but they are looking for grip. TNO‑ESI brings deep expertise and a proven approach to make complexity manageable. That is a powerful asset for helping maritime companies progress.”
Thom de Rijke, Operational Director, Deal Drechtsteden

Accelerating innovation in the region

For TNO‑ESI, the collaboration provides direct access to a strong regional maritime network, allowing system expertise to be translated more quickly into concrete industrial applications. The partnership will take shape through joint innovation projects and pilots, complemented by workshops, training programmes and practice-oriented research aimed at embedding knowledge sustainably in the region.

Strengthening the maritime ecosystem

“We highly value Deal’s pragmatic and hands-on approach,” says Cor van der Struijf, Senior Business Developer at TNO‑ESI. “They identify real challenges and bring companies together, exactly what the sector needs. With over twenty years of experience in Systems Sngineering, we are now making this expertise more broadly available to the maritime industry. Collaboration within the ecosystem is essential to strengthening innovation capacity.”