This year sees MarQuip celebrate a quarter of a century of innovation and growth. Founded in 2001 as a spin-off from Discom, our company has evolved into a recognised leader in specialist exhaust technology and system integration for the superyacht industry. A focused response to market demands developed into a long-standing success story built on technical expertise, close cooperation and a characteristically Dutch desire to achieve the best outcome.
Before reflecting on the past 25 years, let’s give credit to those who’ve been an integral part of this journey. Dedicated colleagues who poured their passion for exhaust solutions into the 400-plus projects completed to date. Clients seeking the best for their superyacht, from yards, designers and naval architects to owners, captains and engineers. These relationships show how mutual trust and respect played a big role in bringing MarQuip where it is today.
In the beginning
Our roots in Discom remain part of our identity as the two firms still work closely together. The MarQuip story started in the 1990s when Discom received requests from superyacht yards for high-performance wet exhaust systems with underwater exhaust outlets. This led to extensive research & testing and the practical development of water injection solutions, laying the groundwork for a company dedicated to this evolving market. The ‘new’ MarQuip was formally launched in 2001 after Royal Huisman gave permission to reuse a name previously associated with sister-company Rondal. This is a fine example of how the shared values of the Dutch superyacht community has also contributed to our story.
Hands-on approach
The early years saw MarQuip concentrate on refining the basics. We designed new water injection pieces, carried out tank testing regimes and optimised scoop designs. It’s fascinating to see from today’s perspective – when such systems appear straightforward by modern standards – and realise how each project represented new territory and an opportunity to build deeper expertise. The hands-on approach helped shape the company’s technical foundation as well as our client-focused mindset. As the business grew, so did the team. While the initial client base was in the Netherlands, MarQuip soon expanded into an international supplier serving superyacht builders and owners around the world.
IMO Tier III
Next levels
The introduction of Diesel Particulate Filters and IMO Tier II regulations in 2011 was a key moment. As a system integrator, MarQuip increasingly focused on generator exhaust systems with DPF technology. We recognised early on how combining a silencer and DPF into one compact unit offers serious space savings at a time when yachts were growing larger, engines more powerful and engine rooms more compact. Innovation was not just an ambition but an approach driven by necessity. Five years on, the introduction of Tier III rules for yachts above 500 GT marked the rise of Selective Catalytic Reduction technology. MarQuip was well equipped to collaborate with yards, designers, class societies, flag states, engine manufacturers and aftertreatment partners. Rather than accepting compromises in terms of onboard real estate, we developed compact SCR solutions for installation in virtually the same footprint as conventional dry silencers. Engine manufacturers also introduced integrated SCR solutions over time, enabling complete IMO Tier III-compliant propulsion packages.
Water injection unit
Integrating sustainability
Other challenges were emerging before these solutions fully matured. Preparations began for SCR systems on yachts below 500 GT, a rule which came into effect in 2021. MarQuip used this time well, developing our integrated silencer, SCR and water injection unit, a pioneering solution specifically designed for semi-displacement yachts of around 30 metres. Caring for the environment became a strong industry focus over recent years. Rather than simply cooling exhaust gases with injected water and releasing that energy overboard, MarQuip looked for a more sustainable solution: recovering waste heat for onboard use. This vision led to the development of our Exhaust Heat Exchanger, turning previously wasted energy into a valuable resource.
Exhaust Heat Exchanger
Forward thinking
And so, as MarQuip marks 25 years, we look ahead with the same drive that defined our beginnings. As the superyacht industry pushes the window of technical feasibility, MarQuip is committed to supporting clients with engineering excellence, technical insight and dependable service. It’s been a remarkable journey to date and the future promises even more exciting developments.
Project manager John Maaskant
Memories and milestones part 1: John Maaskant
Since joining MarQuip in 2014, project manager John Maaskant has played a pivotal role in modernising the company’s operations and strengthening capabilities. Having celebrated his 12.5-year anniversary at MarQuip in July, John recalls how he set out to improve internal processes.
“When I arrived many workflows were still manual and paper-based. We began a transition toward digitalisation that culminated in 2020 with an integrated system (Exact Online) which streamlined the project management, invoicing, quotations and financial administration. This gave us a more efficient, transparent and scalable business operation.”
John’s role has also evolved as the company grew. “Responsibilities used to be divided between engineering concepts and 3D design, which often led to duplication of work. This structure was optimised into a more effective project engineering approach, improving both workflow and accountability.”
Strong connections
A key strategic shift during John’s tenure has been the development of MarQuip’s own supply chain. “We used to rely heavily on external support, making us dependent on third parties. By establishing a dedicated supply chain and building a strong network of suppliers and long-term partners, MarQuip gained greater control and enhanced flexibility in project delivery.”
Asked which exhaust installation project stands out in his career, John mentions Ocean Explorer, which in 2019 was the largest refit undertaken to date. “This marked my transition from project engineer to project manager, and I combined both roles during this period. The partnership with Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam was very successful, supported by a strong on-site cooperation with foreman Dylan van de Heerik. Ocean Explorer remains a flagship example of what MarQuip can achieve.”
Complex challenges
Over the years, John has witnessed and contributed to the increasing complexity of exhaust system technology. “Where systems once consisted primarily of injection components and hot silencers, modern solutions now incorporate advanced technologies such as particulate filters and SCR systems. This evolution has made projects more technically demanding, further emphasising MarQuip’s expertise in delivering high-performance, compliant solutions. These are challenges I continue to relish each and every day.”
Sales manager Wiebe Voorneveld
Memories and milestones part 2: Wiebe Voorneveld
“I am genuinely delighted to be part of this company as it celebrates 25 years of service,” says sales manager Wiebe Voorneveld. “From engineering through to sales, and together with our clients, we have developed creative solutions to support and enhance some of the industry’s most iconic yachts.”
Wiebe joined MarQuip in 2017 and over the past nine years has seen the company further professionalise its organisational structure and broaden expertise. “This has strengthened our ability to respond to peaks in the market and effectively serve owners, captains and engineers with their complex challenges.”
High performance
MarQuip’s involvement with the 88-metre superyacht Project X stands out for Wiebe. “The vessel had significant back-pressure and vibration issues. Guiding the team through the process step by step, we worked together to identify a yard where the work could be expertly carried out. In essence we then replaced a system that had not been performing as intended with one that truly does.”
The solution devised for Project X is completely different in both design and operation from the original. “We managed to integrate it successfully using a distinctive engineering philosophy: moving from a wet exhaust system to a hot exhaust system with water injection, together with a modified hull outlet and a new scoop design. This was achieved in close cooperation with all the engineering offices involved, ensuring everything could be properly integrated.”
Sales force
After eight years of engineering, Wiebe has spent the past year working in sales. “My technical background allows me to support clients at a detailed level from the outset. It can be difficult at times not to get involved in actually engineering the project myself – that’s engrained in my DNA. I am now involved in projects in a different way and at a different stage.”
Proud of the MarQuip team and its products, Wiebe also hails the company’s ongoing work to improve the existing superyacht fleet. “It’s great when owners of yachts that have sailed with problems for years – and who have even come to accept those issues as normal – trust us to provide a more comfortable and better-performing solution within the same footprint. The results are so rewarding for all concerned.”
