SCHIEMA in the Binnenvaart Krant
Rubber and plastics specialist Schiema scores in shipping
Schiema from Schiedam is making a name for itself in the shipping industry. The family business has been a reliable partner in industry for many years, but is now also making significant strides in inland shipping. With innovative products such as the Probunker bunker hose from its own Flexcited brand, Schiema shows that top quality, speed and craftsmanship go hand in hand.
In the workshop
Whether it concerns seals, couplings, fittings, valves, industrial hoses or bunker hoses: Schiema supplies everything needed to keep operations running. And not just standard products, but customised solutions that perfectly match what the customer truly needs.
“Actually, we can customise almost anything,” says Jan Lodders, who owns the company together with Edwin van Geene. “We have known each other for more than thirty years and merged our family businesses in 2006. The soul is still in the business with us, and that is how we make the difference for our customers. For us, it is not just about supplying products, but about thinking along, solving problems and taking worries off our customers’ hands.”
Customisation with speed and precision
“What really sets Schiema apart? Technical craftsmanship and exceptionally fast service. If, for example, a customer needs a seal in a non-standard shape that must withstand aggressive chemicals or high temperatures, we immediately think along with them.”
With technical expertise and an extensive range of machinery, Schiema produces almost everything in-house. This keeps quality high and delivery times short.
Innovation at its strongest: Probunker
A great example of Schiema’s innovative strength is the Probunker: a high-quality bunker hose that is lighter, more wear-resistant and can be rolled up much more compactly than commonly used hoses. The advanced rubber compound was developed in collaboration with a European ISO 9001-certified manufacturer and has been specially tailored to the demanding conditions of the bunker market.
“With the Probunker, we offer a bunker hose that truly stands out from the rest: less wear, less weight, significantly more compact and a noticeably longer service life.”
When it really has to be fast
During a tour of the workshop, two of Jan’s colleagues can be seen working on an urgent job: four 6” bunker hoses and one 4” bunker hose, ordered in the morning and ready for transport that same afternoon.
“That kind of urgency is not standard, but when it is necessary, we are there. Skippers usually know in time when a hose needs replacing, but for rental companies or resellers, the request can sometimes come unexpectedly, and then speed is crucial. We are available 24/7, even at weekends.”
Smart support with Hosebun
As the European distributor of Hosebun, Schiema also offers smart solutions to protect hoses. The Hosebun is a specially designed hose support that prevents hoses from kinking or becoming damaged when suspended from a lifting point.
“Ideal for bunker hoses,” Jan explains. “You support the hose, extend its service life and, with a small investment, prevent the hose from kinking.”
Growing in inland shipping – and beyond
Inland shipping is an important growth market for Schiema. “We also want to become a trusted name in shipping, just as we have been in industry and transport for many years.”
But Schiema is also active beyond this sector, developing seals and moulded rubber parts for agriculture, mechanical engineering and road construction.
“We always look at where the opportunities lie. Our strength is that we are small enough to remain flexible, yet large enough to guarantee continuity and quality.”
Edwin van Geene, left, and Jan Lodders.
