About VAF
VAF Instruments is a market leader in maritime measurement systems, supplying high-tech sensors and measurement systems to leading shipowners and -yards in the world.
With 85 years of experience in sensor technology and our strong heritage in the maritime business we enable shipowners to increase fuel efficiency and to reduce their carbon footprint. VAF solutions also enable ship operators to optimise maintenance schedules and costs. VAF is well known for its application knowhow due to a strong focus on R&D and manufacturing capabilities. This combined with our innovative customer approach and global 24/7 service network we are leading shipowners to a greener future.
Our focus on innovation
At VAF Instruments, innovation is the driving force behind our mission. As pioneers in marine measurement systems, we envision a future in which we optimize the efficiency of maritime transport and minimize environmental impact. Our products and services are carefully designed to strengthen sustainability and efficiency in the maritime industry, all aimed at meeting the changing needs and desires of our customers. View all our products and services here.
Our history defines us
VAF Instruments has earned a global reputation as a specialist in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of measuring instruments and control systems for the processing and maritime industries. It all started with petrol and Dutch milk.
VAF was founded in 1938 in Dordrecht, Holland. Initially, the company manufactured electric petrol pumps, but due to the fuel shortage in the 1940s, the demand for petrol pumps dropped sharply. However, the demand for precision measuring instruments remained, and after the Second World War, the company decided to specialize in this field. Initially, VAF supplied milk meters for the milk industry in The Netherlands.
In the 1950s, VAF Instruments significantly expanded its range of measuring instruments, with the main focus shifting toward the processing industry, and later, the maritime industry. The company secured patents for several flowmeters that were designed and developed in-house. In 1966 VAF became the first to develop a viscosity meter for the shipping industry, marketed under the name Viscotherm. This was the start of our strong presence in the maritime market, gradually expanding our portfolio over the years.
we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence
some say we’re fanatical,
we call it relentless
Part of Aalberts NV
Since 2018 VAF Instruments is part of Aalberts NV. Aalberts is a technology company based in the Netherlands, founded in 1975. Read more about Aalberts and its mission critical technologies: www.aalberts.com
the Aalberts way
Introducing the Aalberts way and culture to the VAF team was not difficult as the core values were strongly matching. We are proud to say to ‘the Aalberts way’ reflects the DNA of our company, it is what we stand for and what we practice and deliver every day. It is the common language in our organisation. It is the foundation. for an even greater future that will lead to new growth paths. And it provides us with a focus when we review, recruit, coach and develop our talents.
Winning with people
We are entrepreneurs: we make dreams happen. We take ownership: we deliver on our promises. We go for excellence: we push boundaries and challenge the status quo. We share and learn: we are not afraid of failure and get better every day. And we always act with integrity: leading by example, speaking out when necessary, and being professional in everything we do. Finally, we are diverse, because you can’t innovate in an echo-chamber.
