Margreeth van den Berg, CEO of Parc BV and Parc ADS
On this website, women from the maritime sector share their stories. This is the story of Margreeth van den Berg.
What kind of work do you do?
Water has been a constant theme throughout my life. I grew up along the major rivers, and for years my husband and I sailed on our own boat. It is therefore no coincidence that my work is in the maritime sector. Parc BV was founded in 2005, followed by Parc ADS in the United States in 2015. Through our companies, we repair rubber products, such as dredging hoses, as well as materials for ports and the offshore industry. We do this worldwide, either at the customer’s location or in our own facility in Giessen (the Netherlands).
In the early years, I did everything myself: from administration and human resources to booking travels and writing proposals. Gradually, the company grew, colleagues joined the team, and I was able to focus more on strategy, finance, innovation, and partnerships. Today, we have a strong team that supports our clients worldwide. My background in Dutch law and tax law helps me daily in negotiations and discussions.
Twenty years of entrepreneurship in this sector have shown me just how versatile and valuable this work is. It’s tough, challenging, and meaningful—and I’m proud that, through Parc BV and Parc ADS, I can contribute to a more sustainable future for the maritime sector. For me, water is always close by, and my work fits in perfectly with that.
Does being a woman play a role in your work?
The dredging world is still a man’s world, though you’re seeing more and more women active in this sector. Sometimes I was mistaken for the receptionist, or people would ask for “Mr. Van den Berg.” That didn’t always bother me, but I’m glad it’s happening less and less. I don’t think women need to act tougher than they are—there’s room for us in this world, just as we are.
What do you like most about your job?
Entrepreneurship itself: persevering through tough times, building a company, and constantly seeking new solutions for our clients. When I see the impressive maritime or dredging projects Parc has contributed to, I feel proud that we’re part of them. What inspires me is the realization of how much material is unnecessarily thrown away. Rubber from dredging equipment cannot yet be reused, but repair is often possible. That not only saves costs but also reduces CO₂ emissions and conserves raw materials. Repairing a pipe is far more sustainable than having a new one manufactured and transported. I also believe in the value of quality: we still see pipes that function perfectly after 25 years, while cheaper alternatives often need to be replaced after just a few years.
I don’t think women need to act tougher than they are—there’s room for us in this world, just as we are
