Global Innovation Summit 2025

1–2 Apr 2025 | HANNOVER MESSE, Germany

Nico van der Kolk

Founder & Naval Architect

AlbatrosDigital

Rotterdam, Netherlands

1 profile visit

My organisation

AlbatrosDigital

AlbatrosDigital

Start-ups and scale-ups

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Our mission is to accurately predict vessel behavior and fuel consumption so our clients can make informed decisions and improve on energy efficiency. We build physics-based digital ship models. These Digital Ships factor in environmental conditions and specific ship characteristics, leading to smarter and more efficient maritime operations.
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About me

I’m Nico, a naval architect with a passion for redefining how ships are designed, powered, and operated. My expertise lies in advanced ship hydrodynamics and wind propulsion technologies, which I’ve applied across my career to create greener, more efficient maritime solutions.

As the founder of AlbatrosDigital, I’m focused on shaping the future of maritime operations through digital twin technology. From design to real-time monitoring, we’re building tools that improve efficiency, performance, and sustainability across the shipping industry.

Over the years, I’ve worked on projects that push boundaries. I earned my Ph.D. in Ship Hydromechanics from Delft University of Technology, where I contributed to innovative research on wind-assisted ships. My professional journey includes leading roles at Blue Wasp Marine and Groot Ship Design, where I combined cutting-edge technology with a commitment to reducing emissions and improving ship performance.

At AlbatrosDigital, my goal is to make smart, sustainable shipping a reality. Whether through collaboration or sparking new ideas, I’m always eager to connect with those who share a vision for a better maritime future.

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