The Damen Waterbus 2907 E3 has received a Dutch Design Award (G100). The G100 represents the top 100 product designs in the Netherlands. Nominated solutions are judged by a panel of industrial design experts. Awards are given to products and solutions that are relevant, innovative and/or original, and exceptionally well designed in the Netherlands by a Dutch designer or for a Dutch company and have been introduced into the market within the last two years.
The Waterbus 2907 E3 is designed by Damen Shipyards Group and KesselsGranger for operation in the Dordrecht-Rotterdam area as part of the Waterbus service. The design pays close attention to both passenger experience and sustainability.
Jan van Ooijen, Design and Proposal Engineer Public Transport at Damen explains, “The design of the vessel began with the vision of Gerbrand (Schutten, CEO and Founder of Waterbus). He has a clear idea of the type of service he wants to offer. This is a service with high levels of sustainability and that embraces the diverse types of passenger that will use it, be they commuters, tourists, groups, people with impaired mobility, etc. All these passengers have different requirements and how those are incorporated into this design is the essence of the Waterbus story.”
James Granger of KesselsGranger says, “Traditionally with public transport it’s about getting from A to B. The Waterbus adds something on top of this. It’s an experience that people love. They get to see the environment from a different perspective. It’s a very relaxing vessel to be on and offers really calm sailing.”
Steven Kessels of KesselsGranger adds, “We’ve tried to create an immersive experience that appeals to all the senses and allows passengers to feel connected to the elements outside. With the Waterbus it’s not only about the destination, it’s about the journey itself.”
Gerbrand Schutten, CEO of Waterbus concludes, “The Waterbus is the best means of waterborne public transport possible at the current time. It’s still about getting people to their destinations, but we’re doing it in a way that is sustainable, inclusive and enjoyable. That we’ve succeeded in achieving this is a huge compliment to Damen and KesselsGranger.”
The Waterbus will be presented, along with other award winners, during the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, the Netherlands from the last week of October. At the stand, visitors will be able to view a detailed scale model of the vessel and to watch a video showing the Waterbus in action and featuring interviews with representatives from Waterbus, Damen and KesselsGranger. A poster will explain the thinking behind the design and show the ways in which the vessel has been able to achieve its goals.