Innovations and design

Over the years, De Waal has introduced various innovations. Innovations that were not only ahead of their time, but also designed with attention to design and user-friendliness.

Today, our R&D department employs several engineers from higher vocational education and technical universities who work daily to find ways to make things better, smarter and more affordable. In this way, De Waal continues to stay one step ahead.

A selection of our innovations

• 1938 | Development of side drive for cargo sailing ships
• 1972 | First hydraulic ship lift in the Netherlands
• 1980 | Environmentally friendly propeller shaft seal, custom-made
• 1985 | First manufacturer with proportionally controlled steering gear pump
• 1987 | First manufacturer with a dual piping system on all steering gears
• 1990 | 100% crack-free rudder blade / innovative rudder stock construction method
• 1995 | Construction of the second, unique, covered ship lift
• 2000 | Development of an adjustable 3-point propeller shaft bearing
• 2005 | Triple rudder system renewed and launched on the market
• 2010 | Introduction of a unique, demountable Pacific rudder construction method
• 2012 | Plug & play, designer ship crane, with all technology concealed inside
• 2013 | Touchscreen control panel, Hybrid Touch
• 2013 | Delivery of superyacht rudders to Apple CEO Steve Jobs
• 2014 | Revolutionary fuel-saving rudder system, Easyflow®
• 2016 | Development and commissioning of welding robot

The high-tech welding robot is one of many innovations at De Waal.