From compact 2-tonners that move smoothly through locks to 40-ton giants that defy tidal areas.
Since 2006, Waterking has been building amphibious excavators that set the standard in strength, stability and versatility. Available new, used young or for rent. With proven quality and flexibility, our machines give you the freedom to work where others get stuck.
We are Watering: Every day we combine Dutch sobriety with boundless ambition.
Our machines are not standard products, but robust custom solutions from steel, experience and guts. From compact excavators for narrow locks to powerhouses that hold up in the toughest tidal areas, and from reliable dredging equipment to unique specials that you will not find anywhere else.
In Tynaarlo (NL) we develop and test each product as if it were our own project. Only what meets our highest requirements for strength, durability and safety may bear the name Waterking. This way you not only choose a machine, but a partner that pushes boundaries.
Jakob Knoop, together with J. van der Es, took the leap into entrepreneurship in the dredging industry and Knoop Baggerwerken was born. From the very beginning, this sector has been their specialty, constantly offering opportunities to develop new, fitting, and above all, creative solutions for challenges in and around the water.
The switch
A shift was made from maintenance dredging to nature restoration projects. The two founders wanted to support their clients more effectively by offering more tailored solutions. The challenge of creating something new, that’s what truly made their hearts beat faster. At the same time, a broader societal shift was underway, bringing increased focus on restoring natural environments. Naturally, this was no problem, because at its core, this had always been a deep passion for both Knoop and Van der Es.
A problem in the field
During nature restoration projects, Knoop and Van der Es kept running into the same recurring issues. Working with standard excavators on dragline mats was cumbersome and time-consuming. The soil was too soft, and wide ditches proved to be insurmountable barriers.
A solution had to be found. After extensive research, it became clear that existing amphibious excavators fell short, they were too expensive, too fragile, and not built to handle the harsh conditions. There was a need for something new: a machine with low ground pressure, high pulling power, and maximum reliability.
The resulting design was revolutionary. From the drawing board to prototype, the road to the very first Waterking started.
Jakob Knoop (CEO of Waterking, Knoop BV and Knoop Rental), Gea Knoop (CFO) and their team had the first amphibious excavator manufactured in Asia. People recognised the efficiency and quality of an amphibious excavator. Orders came in and several machines were sold.
Waterking B.V. was founded.
Waterking B.V. was established after selling a number of amphibious excavators in a rapidly growing market. Since 2010, Waterking has been a full-service organisation with global sales, focusing on amphibious excavators, dredging equipment and dredging solutions.
Expanding terrain, Watering is growing
After a rapid period of growth, Waterking expands its field and settles in Tynaarlo, Drenthe in the Netherlands. To date, this is the headquarters of Waterking.
Waterking introduces its latest generation of amphibious bases. The introduction of NG-5.
The amphibious undercarriages have been further developed into a fifth generation, now known as NG-5. To this day, these undercarriages are featured on our latest amphibious excavators.
In-house test pond on site
After several more years of growth, Waterking expanded its premises once again and constructed its own test pond specifically designed for testing amphibious and dredging equipment.
ES-TRIN certification
Since 2021, Waterking has been the only manufacturer in the world capable of delivering an ES-TRIN certified amphibious excavator, with a maximum tilt of five degrees to either side, even with a full bucket and a fully extended boom.
Development of first Watering specials
Some challenges require more than a standard machine. In 2022 the development of our first two one-of-a-kind specials started: the Deltaworker and the Beachworker.
These unique vehicles are specifically designed for operations in the surf zone of the sea. In 2024, construction of these machines was completed. Where standard machines fall short, the Deltaworker and Beachworker safely transport technicians to wind turbines that require maintenance amidst the waves.
The Deltaworker holds its ground in surf depths of up to two meters, while the Beachworker operates on the drier, more accessible areas around the tidal zone.
Together, they form a team that remains operational at all times, regardless of tide or terrain. They are the first tangible examples of our vision: if the solution doesn’t exist yet, we’ll build it.
In March 2025, Waterking unveiled the world’s first electric amphibious excavator: the WK 350 NG-E. This innovation was made possible through a collaboration with Staad, who supplied the upper structure, the DX355LC, and DAMEN, who provided the electric dredging pump, the E-DOP 150. Waterking completed the setup with its amphibious undercarriage, making the full configuration complete.
The machine was officially presented at Bauma 2025, at the Waterking stand.
That same year, Waterking launched Waterking India and began delivering the WK 220 NG-I. This production facility was established to serve the markets in Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania. By bringing its expertise and innovation to the East, Waterking aims to make a real difference in the quality and reliability of amphibious equipment in these regions.
Specialist in amfibische graafmachines en baggermaterieel. Meer dan 35 jaar ervaring in waterwerken.
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