CoWaves
Philosophy
At CoWaves, every project is an opportunity to enhance clarity and control in ship building by systematically analyzing operations, identifying bottlenecks, and turning insight into action. We combine advisory strength with hands-on execution, implementing solutions directly alongside your teams to ensure progress is practical, measurable, and sustainable. Guided by our core principles — Transparency, Proactivity, Integrity, and Good Humor — we build partnerships founded on trust, flexibility, and mutual respect.
Skillset
With specialists across technology, business, operations, and data management, we support projects from strategic planning to day-to-day execution. Using the Critical Path Method, we analyze and identify pinch points early, align teams with clear priorities, and build structured, actionable plans that keep projects on track — even under pressure.
Equally important is our commitment to clear communication. We create transparency across departments and disciplines, ensuring data, insight, and human effort come together seamlessly. This empowers both projects and people to perform at their best. We are CoWaves — Collaboration in Motion.
What makes us unique
Professional &
systematic
Personalised &
Hands on
Goal &
Result driven
Thomas Combe
Role: Founder of CoWaves
Education: Msc. Offshore & Dredging Engineering / Bsc. Civil Engineering, Tu Delft.
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Thomas his strengths lay in getting things done, connecting easily with people and bringing positivity in difficult situations. Besides his work he enjoys cooking, cycling and scuba diving in his free time.
Why CoWaves? CoWaves has provided a steady basis for personal and professional growth for the team, and that motivates Thomas.
Ilja van Ketel – Brussel
Role: Project-/ & Operations Manager
Education: BSc Naval Architect & BEd.
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Ilja is both an experienced naval architect, with a wealth of knowledge on maritime expertise, and a former lecturer, with a heart for people and education. Ilja is great at distinguishing main- and side issues. This makes her the perfect person to support the team and help them develop as it makes her a great addition to a project.
In her free time, Ilja loves riding her motorbike, taking her own boat out on the water, and enjoying quality time with her family.
Renee Northern
Role: Vice President of CoWaves Americas
Education: Finance.
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Renee is a seasoned professional known for strong people management and collaborative team leadership. She is responsible for the daily operations of the Americas office including strategic decision making and business development. Her experience with adaptive project management philosophies makes her a purposeful planner and collaborator, bringing both structure and flexibility to her projects. Outside of work she enjoys being outdoors, baking bread, and spending time with her family.
Jonathan Wilbrink
Role: Project Support Assistant
Education: BSc. Marine Technology at TU Delft
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Jonathan is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology, with a minor in Project Management. He is passionate about the maritime industry and eager to learn and gain new experiences within it. Outside of his studies and work, he enjoys cycling, sailing, working out, and spending time with friends.
Read about our associates
Testimonials
Thomas is an enthusiastic man and has an excellent eye on the business interests for which he works, he is vital in assessing the situation and needs, and you can spar well with Thomas. The cooperation was excellent, he trained my people well, was clear, understanding, and a bit of aftercare was perfect. Because of his enthusiasm, knowledge, and inquisitiveness to imagine himself in the company he works for, he can make a good analysis of what is needed to lift the company to a higher level.
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His positive attitude and a dose of humour make cooperation very easy. I would recommend Thomas because he is a team player. He stands for what he does and says.
Jos Aarts
Owner Zijlstra
My role is to supervise large, complex and not your every day projects within the maritime sector as senior Project Manager at Damen Shiprepair & Conversion. Thomas is broadly oriented and more than just in planning. It is a kind of service that Thomas offers of his own accord and that is a pleasure to work with. He also takes the initiative to find out all the details of a project. I enjoy working with Thomas because he has a lot of potential and positivity. He has an enormous drive and is very employable. In which the results were excellent. He is in a state of solving a problem without negativity. Thomas energizes your team when working with him and Thomas' input adds value. He is a loyal team player.
Mark Derks - Senior Project Manager Damen Shiprepair & Conversion
We worked very closely with Thomas on the development of a program schedule, several iterations incorporating new ideas and developing details for a dredge construction. With his superior knowledge of dredge construction it was a great support. Thomas always brings a fresh perspective to the task at hand.
Justin Slater - Director of Sales and Marketing at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding located in Wisconsin, USA
I got to know Thomas as a driven, ambitious critical mind, who won't let anything stop him from achieving his goals. He is super good at connecting and keeping people hooked. He's a pacesetter, a nice guy to have around when you're having a party. We went abroad a few times together, including Miami, and we got to know each other better there. So driven and so eager to learn. It is a beautiful and logical step that Thomas started his own business. Entrepreneurial and independence are two characteristics of Thomas. I would recommend Thomas if you are looking for someone who gets things done. Preferably in a hectic environment where he can use his knowledge and control skills.
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you're having a party. We went abroad a few times together, including Miami, and we got to know each other better there. So driven and so eager to learn. Selfish, of course. It is a beautiful and logical step that Thomas started his own business. Enterprising and independent are two characteristics of Thomas. I would recommend Thomas if you are looking for someone who gets things done. Preferably in a hectic environment where he can use his knowledge and control skills.
Owner Critical Minds
We worked very closely with Thomas on the development of a program schedule, several iterations incorporating new ideas and developing details for a dredge construction. With his superior knowledge of dredge construction it was a great support. Thomas always brings a fresh perspective to the task at hand.
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Great Lakes Dredge & Dock in Chicago. He is very good at arranging the things that need to be done and can operate very independently. On the other hand, he is very good at handling people, and communicating. While in the USA, he arranged experimental research at Texas A&M himself, including building the testing facility and setting clay. So Thomas is the guy to get the job done. He is very good at building a network.
Get in touch
CoWaves collaboration in motion
We would like the opportunity to share how we can support your projects. Get in touch by phone at +31 (0)85 009 06 14 or +1 (832) 615-2570. You can also reach us by email at info@co-waves.com.
We are passionate about maritime project process and data management. We will be passionate about you too.
KVK: 85864250
TAX ID: NL003682482B16
+31 (0)85 009 06 14
info@co-waves.com
Overschiestraat 55
1062 HN Amsterdam
The Netherlands
2700 Post Oak BLVD Suite 22-103
Houston Tx. 77056
USA