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The Netherlands is a water country. With thousands of kilometers of waterways, ditches, and canals, managers have an enormous responsibility to keep these waters safe, clean, and ecologically healthy. As a specialist in waterbed research, dredging, biodiversity, and water quality, Tijhuis Ingenieurs advises and guides clients on sustainable waterbeds and nature-friendly banks. The engineering firm distinguishes itself with a combination of in-depth expertise, innovative proprietary software, truly unique equipment, and a strong social commitment. A conversation with owner Myrte Tijhuis.
The core of our work lies in waterbed research, Tijhuis begins. “How much dredged material is there in a waterway? What is its quality? And when is maintenance required? By linking these technical analyses to ecological expertise and a clear sustainability vision, each project examines how water quality and biodiversity can be improved. We advise clients on the entire waterway and provide sustainable advice in and around the water, such as nature-friendly banks or appropriate revetment.” The company also has a strong position in the field of civil engineering. “We combine knowledge of banks, engineering structures, and ecological design, providing clients with comprehensive and practical advice.”
A distinctive pillar for the engineering firm is the WIT software, developed entirely in-house. “This software makes the process, from fieldwork and data processing to project supervision and long-term planning, transparent and efficient,” according to Tijhuis. “GPS measurements in the field appear immediately in a digital environment, where both employees and clients can view them in real time. With modules for data collection, long-term planning, and implementation monitoring, governments can accurately monitor silt accumulation, predict future dredging needs, and provide insight into costs.” WIT has even been available in the App Store since last year and is seen as a major step toward professionalization for the sector.
In April 2025, Myrte and her partner Lennart Elijzen took over the company from her father. It is a true family business, as her twin sister also works for the company. “We have grown quite rapidly in recent years and are fortunate to now have 70 enthusiastic employees,” she says. “I am passionate about sustainability and believe that in this sector, you can really make a difference in how you treat the living environment of humans and animals. And you can really add value here.”
The social contribution takes on extra form through the De Bloeiende Oevers foundation. “With this initiative, we work with partners to create nature-friendly banks, without any profit motive.” By bringing volunteers and partners together, a regenerative approach is created: giving back more to nature than you take from it. Tijhuis Ingenieurs also offers tools for clients. “In our WIT software, you can use AI to determine where nature-friendly banks are possible based on all the data we have about an area. This can be used as a discussion tool with clients, making it tangible.”
Sustainability is the common thread running through our business operations. “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming completely CO2 neutral by 2023.” A goal that has already been largely achieved. We are fully committed to electrification: electric vehicles, fieldwork buses with solar panels for charging equipment, and an electric survey boat. “We are at level 5 on the CO2 performance ladder.” According to Tijhuis, the philosophy is very clear: “Becoming more sustainable starts with just doing it.” And that includes innovation. “We are the first agency in the Netherlands to have the HydroScout: a remote-controlled survey boat with a semi-multibeam, which is used to measure the entire waterbed, ideal for shallow waterways.”
The strength of Tijhuis Ingenieurs lies in transparency, flexibility, and personal contact. In a sector that is under high pressure, the firm is able to adapt quickly and remains attractive to new colleagues. “In this way, we are steadily building on our mission: adding value to water and to the living environment of us all.”
