Amsterdam Seaports ENG edition 2

AMSTERDAM - BEVERWIJK - IJMUIDEN - ZAANSTAD

AMSTERDAM SEAPORTS

Portbase connects Amsterdam Seaports and Rotterdam High-tech vessels for Spliethoff and BigLift Cradle to Cradle: Making the most of waste

Innovation special 2009/nr2

From all over the world, we meet at Sitos.

Sitos Commodities (Amsterdam) B.V.

Amsterdam:

Sitos operates in various countries and locations such as: • The Netherlands - Amsterdam • United Kingdom - London, Tilbury, Hull and Liverpool • Ireland - Dublin • Ghana - Tema and Takoradi • Togo - Lome • Cote d’ Ivoire - Abidjan.

Accraweg 39, 1047 HJ Amsterdam Phone +31 (0) 20 585 3830.

Fax +31 (0) 20 585 3849.

E-mail: info@cwtsitos.com www.cwtsitos.com

Opmaak febr.09 - 1-2 pg.:Opmaak 1

21-04-2009

14:42

Pagina 1

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COLOPHON

Contents

Amsterdam SEAPORTS Publisher: Amsterdam Ports Association

05

Taking the lead

07

News in brief

18 AYOP

08

Workhorse of the industry

03 Ter Haak Group - BCA

09

Shipdock bags conversion deal

Contributors: Bart Stam (chief editor), Jan van den Berg, Albert Boes, Rolf Hermsen, Helen Hill, Joris Moes, Karel van der Weide

25 Ter Haak Group - CCA

11

Innovation monitor for Amsterdam and Rotterdam Seaports

Photos: Amsterdam Ports Associations, Dick van den Berg, Martin Hendriksen, Ed Seeder, Bas Beentjes and others.

29 Iskes Towage & Salvage

Translation: Writewell: Andrew Rogers, Akke Pinkster

Advertisers

12-13

Recession is still a long way off

15

Fabricom builds new drilling installation

16-17

Amsterdam Seaports bucks recession trend

19

Sustainability is here to stay

10 Sea-Cargo

20

Dutch customs go digital

02 Sitos Group

22

Junction of modalities

24

No steel without scrap

26

The best of both port community systems

28

There are always chances for brokers

30

10 Oiltanking 10 Portbase

Advertising: Joris van der Hoek, De Ruijterkade 7, 1013 AA Amsterdam Telephone + 31 20-6273706 Mobile phone +31 6-41842210 Fax: + 31-20-6264969 E-mail: jvdhoek@amports.nl Website: www.amports.nl

Important addresses:

32 Svitzer 14 Ter Haak Group - USA 06 VCK Logistics 03 Waterland Terminal

Students ahoy!

Coverphoto: A Svitzer tug ploughs through the waves.

9

28

Amsterdam Ports Association Managing director: Wim Ruijgh De Ruijterkade 7, 1033 AA Amsterdam Telephone: +31 20-627 37 06 Fax: 31+020-626 49 69 E-mail: amports@amports.nl Website: www.amports.nl Port of Amsterdam P.O. Box 19406 1000 GK Amsterdam Telephone: (0)20-5234500 Fax: +31 20-6209821 Ships movements information: Telephone: +31 20-6221515 E-mail: havendienst@portofamsterdam.nl Website: www.amsterdamports.nl Port representatives abroad USA Jacob Willemsen (New York) +1 212 681 2566 Jacob.willemsen@portofamsterdam.nl Roy Wansik (Houston) +1 713 964 2713 rwansik@yahoo.com Germany Hans Lip (Neuss/D端sseldorf ) +31 654 334 744 hans.lip@portofamsterdam.nl Asia Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen (Shanghai) +86-13916694437 and +31 06 5369 3487 gert-jan.nieuwenhuizen@ portofamsterdam.nl Beverwijk Harbour Noorderkade 1, 1948 NR Beverwijk Telephone: +31 251-224750 Fax: +31 251-214050 E-mail: havenmeester@beverwijk.nl Web site: www.beverwijk.nl Zeehaven IJmuiden NV Halkade 4, P.O. Box 541 1970 AM IJmuiden Telephone: +31 255-547000 Fax: +31 255-547060 E-mail: info@zeehaven.nl Web site: www.zeehaven.nl Zaanstad Harbour Westkade 2, 1506 BA Zaandam Telephone: +31 75-6816888 Fax: +31 75-6816799 E-mail: havens@zaanstad.nl Web site: www.zaanstad.nl Business Association ORAM De Ruijterkade 7 1013 AA Amsterdam Telephone: +31 20-6222111 Fax: +31 20-6203133 E-mail: info@oram.nl Web site: www.oram.nl Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam De Ruijterkade 5, 1013 AA Amsterdam Telephone: +31 20-5314000 Fax: +31 20-5314699 E-mail: info@amsterdam.kvk.nl Web site: www.amsterdam.kvk.nl Layout: FIZZ reclame + communicatie, Meppel Printed by: Giethoorn ten Brink, Meppel

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 www.amports.nl

AMPORTS

Taking the lead Various studies show that regions can benefit from increasing European integration and globalisation. When national borders cease to exist, the direct competition between regions on issues such as efficiency, innovation, infrastructure and the educational level of the working population will increase. Amsterdam Seaports is no exception to this rule. Only through a joint approach can our region compete with seaports elsewhere in Europe.

Regional cooperation was one of the main topics at the annual port conference in Amsterdam, and I am positive about the future in this respect. The four ports of Amsterdam Seaports already work closely together in many areas, such as central nautical management, infrastructure, innovation and education. Let us not forget that AmPorts (Amsterdam Ports Association) itself has been a prime example of succesful regional coorporation for over 20 years.

Recently released figures tell their own story: In the first two months of 2009, Amsterdam Seaports are doing better than our competitors’ in the Le Havre-Hamburg sector.

While the above-mentioned conference featured many excellent speakers, I was especially impressed by the analyses of Lorike Hagdorn, Professor of Transport, Distribution and Logistics at

While establishing joint ventures is an obvious example, I would

the VU University in Amsterdam. She rightly remarked that the

also like to see us actively taking the lead within the region. This

seaports in North-western Europe should not only focus on each

is certainly an option due to our high-quality services, including

other but also keep their eye on relatively new competitors in

Portbase, the new port communication system of Amsterdam and

Southern Europe, where container and oil terminals, cruise ports

Rotterdam (see page 26). With these types of innovative projects

and the like are developing at a rapid pace.

and progress, we need not be overly concerned by new initiatives in the Mediterranean. An appropriate saying here might be: If you

I completely agree with Professor Hagdorn that Dutch seaports

can’t beat them, join them!

in general, and Amsterdam Seaports in particular, have to take these initiatives seriously and acquire influence where possible.

Michiel A. Wijsmuller, Chairman AmPorts

AMSTERDAM SEAPORTS

Official publication on behalf of the ports of Amsterdam, Beverwijk, Ymuiden and Zaanstad Published 4 times a year in English: by Amsterdam Ports Association

(amports@amports.nl www.amports.nl)

MORE ABOUT Amsterdam Ports Association AND ITS 300 MEMBERS: www.amports.nl www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

N ews in brief Preparations for Vopak oil terminal In cooperation with the Port of Amsterdam, Vopak

Container vessel with graffiti

started in March with soil compaction tests. A new

NileDutch supports contemporary and alternative art. In March and April, around

terminal for the storage of petrol and other oil

fifty artists from Holland, Belgium, France and Portugal decorated the 194-metre

products such as bio-fuels and gas oil will be

container and RO/RO vessel NileDutch Kwanza with graffiti while it was being

constructed in the Afrikahaven area. In the first

loaded and unloaded in the ports of Lisbon, Rouen and Antwerp. The graffiti

phase this will have a capacity of 720,000 cubic

artists used a staggering 4,000 cans of spray paint to cover the nearly 1,000-

metres, eventually to be expanded to one

square-metre hull surface.

million cbm.

Soil compaction is necessary due to the soft layer of peat that is located at a depth of three to five metres.

European Maritime Day Wednesday 20 May is the second European Maritime Day, which is designed to increase the focus on shipping and coastal trade, ports and associated maritime sectors across the entire

The NileDutch Kwanza can be admired in the port of Amsterdam on 6 June when

European Union. The central theme will be making

it moors at USA (United Stevedores Amsterdam). The vessel will be returned to

shipping more sustainable via the use of cleaner

the original NileDutch colours in six months.

fuels. Participating port authorities will mark European Maritime Day by hoisting the

Wärtsilä expands in IJmuiden

characteristic blue and yellow starred flag.

On 30 March Wärtsilä Netherlands BV opened a new building where the Finnish company will maintain and revise ship engines and propulsion systems in the coastal town of IJmuiden, one of the four ports of Amsterdam Seaports. Its floor surface of 3,000 square metres contains a training room, plus a large, up-to-date workshop with modern conversion machinery and portable tools for maintenance activities on site and onboard vessels. The previous office in IJmuiden offered

Many companies in Amsterdam Seaports

far less possibilities as it was just one sixth of the size. Wärtsilä’s new location

participated in the first such day, including the

will mainly service dredging and inland shipping vessels and fishing boats, and

Ter Haak Group, Waterland Terminal, IJmuiden

provide five extra jobs.

Seaport, Shipdock, Oiltanking and OBA Bulk Terminal.

Cruise season full of opportunities Amsterdam and IJmuiden are expecting the arrival of 115 cruise ships in the

Hans Gerson leaves Port of Amsterdam

coming season, carrying a total of around 200,000 passengers. Some one

Amsterdam City Council has appointed Hans

hundred vessels will moor at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA),

Gerson as City Alderman responsible for Transport

discharging around 180,000 people. While slightly down on 2008, these

and Traffic, including the North-South Line and

figures still represent an increase of 22 compared to 2007.

‘Living and Monuments’. Gerson has been General Director of the Port of Amsterdam since

The main reason that fewer cruise vessels are coming to Amsterdam this

September 2000.

year is that companies such as Carnival and Costa Marina have decided to sail closer to their home market. Despite the economic downturn, Passenger

After studying Planology and Economy, Gerson

Terminal Amsterdam is

started his career as management assistant at the

optimistic about the near

city of Amsterdam in 1975. Having held several

future and expects to benefit

positions in the field of Spatial Planning and Real

form the projected growth

Estate, he became managing director of the City

of three percent in the

of Amsterdam’s real estate department from 1990

global cruise market in 2009.

to 2000. During this time Gerson was involved in the development of the Ceres Paragon container

Cruise vessel Albatros at the

terminal, now ACT.

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam

MORE ABOUT AMSTERDAM PORTS ASSOCIATION AND ITS 300 MEMBERS: www.amports.nl www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

I N N O VAT I O N BigLift orders five new heavylift vessels

Workhorse of the industry The Amsterdam-based company BigLift is one of the very few shipping lines placing new orders at the moment, including five new heavylift vessels. Arie Peterse, BigLift managing director, dubs the vessels “the workhorse of the industry.”

Currently under construction at the Ohua shipyard near Shanghai, the so-called D-4 vessels (400-ton cranes) are 17,500 dwt and have two main cranes with a combined lifting capacity of 800 tons, as well as one crane with a 120-ton capacity.

They are suitable for sailing in the most extreme temperatures and have 1A Ice Class status.

BigLift managing director Arie Peterse says the five are specially designed to cope with high deck loads for heavy cargoes such as large modules and ship sections. “The arrangement has been based on good experiences with BigLift’s Happy River vessels, which were

The Happy River makes the waves for Africa.

built from 1997 to 1998. If visibility from the wheelhouse is hindered

completed by the end of this year (see

pessimistic about the future. The year

by high deck loads, the vessels can

page 30-31).

2009 has been pretty buoyant so far and

then be manoeuvred from a second

there are still heavylift and project cargo

command station forward, located on the

Similar lay-out

assignments around. In general, a lot of

breakwater.”

Peterse points out that basing the new

project cargo is moving around the world.”

vessels on the Spliethoff ships gives Training cadets

both companies an advantage in terms

Offshore projects

Aware of the need to encourage

of greater flexibility. “The vessels have a

Peterse also emphasises that there are still

youngsters into the maritime industry,

similar layout to the Spliethoff D-Gracht

quite some offshore activities underway,

BigLift has also designed the vessels to be

vessels, giving us the ability to switch

which he expects to continue even as oil

able to accommodate 10 cadets. Crews

cargoes if need be on either vessel type.”

prices fall. “The oil majors have to find new

normally comprise around 18 people.

BigLift and Spliethoff have not worked

oil and develop new fields. In addition,

Additional accommodation, a classroom

with the Ohua shipyard before and, as

power-generating equipment has to

and a training bridge will be incorporated

is usual with all builds, will have their

be shipped as the worldwide energy

into the vessels. Most of the cadets will

own supervisory team on-site to oversee

consumption is still increasing, albeit it at

come from the Maritime Academy near

the construction. This team normally

a lower rate than in the economic boom

Amsterdam and be studying and working

comprises three or four experienced

times.”

on board as part of their maritime

shipbuilders and engineers.

BigLift also has two multi-purpose

education..

“BigLift is unusual in that most shipping

heavylift vessels with 1,800 tons lifting

lines are not ordering currently due to

capacity on order from Larsen & Toubro

Due to be completed from mid-to-end

the economic climate,” Peterse adds.

in India. Being built at the new-build

2010, the D-4 vessels are actually a further

“But the company is building for the next

facility at Hazira, the vessels are due to be

development of the D-Gracht vessels of

20 years, which is the life-time of these

delivered in the second half of 2010.

parent company, Spliethoff, being built

vessels. Although we are not immune to

in China. Eight of these vessels should be

the economic slump, I am certainly not

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 www.amports.nl

www.bigliftshipping.com

I N N O VAT I O N Dry cargo ship transforms into fish food carrier

Shipdock bags conversion deal Innovation is never far away from the work of Amsterdam repair and conversion yard Shipdock and the last 18 months have been no exception.

the vessel, the hold is to be divided into 40 or 50 smaller holds. Each one will then contain different types of fish food.

Groen says it is the first time the shipyard has been asked to convert a vessel into a fish food carrier. Shipdock will fabricate and install cargo silos in the hold, install a stern thruster, pressurised discharging system and two new generators. The repair and conversion yard will also have to install a type of conveyor belt in the hold underneath. Grit blasting and painting, both in and outside, will also be carried out.

The job is expected to take around four months to be ready for the fish season’s The Eidsvaag Polaris

start this month. Forty people are due to work on the contract but this number

Kees Jan Groen, Shipdock managing

The Shipdock team will initially work on the

could rise to around 80, if subcontractors

director, says 2008 turned out to be the

Zuiderkruis in the navy yard in Den Helder

are included.

best year ever at the company and even

from May until July and then in August, the

2009 had got off to a healthy start, despite

ship will come to Shipdock in Amsterdam

As well as yards in Amsterdam and

the economic downturn.

for around 10 weeks.

in Harlingen, Shipdock has a steel construction and machine shop, Niron,

One particularly interesting project in 2008

Eidsvaag Polaris

which is on site at the Amsterdam facility.

was a huge 228 tonne steel job on the

In another interesting job at its subsidiary

Shipdock is investing 1 million euro in a

vessel, Durban Bulker. The vessel had run

yard in Harlingen, in the northern

new milling machine at Niron. This is due to

aground off South Africa. Owned by New

Netherlands province of Friesland,

arrive this month.

Century Overseas Management, the 32,500

Shipdock has been asked to shorten a dry

dwt vessel was at the yard for seven weeks

cargo vessel and turn it into a fish food

for bottom repairs and a survey.

carrier, in a contract worth around 4 million

Shipdock had to renew large sections of the

euro.

www.shipdock.nl

bottom plating and the attached internals.

The company also carried out inspections

Eidsvaag Polaris, owned by Norwegian

of the main engine bearings and undertook

owner Eidsvaag AS, was a 2,440 dwt, 82 m

tailshaft clearance.

long dry cargo vessel. But once converted, the vessel will sail along the Norwegian

This month, Shipdock is also due to start on

coast to supply the many fish farms located

the refit the Royal Netherlands Navy vessel,

there.

the “Hr.Ms. Zuiderkruis”. The group carried out repairs and maintenance on four navy

Shipdock has been tasked with taking a 12

vessels in 2006.

metre section out and as well as shortening

Maintenance on the Durban Bulker

www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

Ready for a dose of smart thinking?

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I N N O VAT I O N

Innovation monitor for Amsterdam and Rotterdam Seaports The Rotterdam and Amsterdam port authorities have commissioned a major survey among 1200 private companies, 750 in Rotterdam and 450 in Amsterdam. The goal is to discover the degree of innovation in the sector and to compare that with other branches of industry.

The covered Waterland Terminal in Amsterdam is a good example of innovation

The port authorities of Amsterdam and

A cross section of business

says Justin Jansen, associate professor

Rotterdam have joined forces on this

In February and March, Erasmus

of Strategic Management at Erasmus

innovation research project, which will

University sent out surveys to 750

University. “This will allow us to make

be carried out by the Rotterdam School

companies in Rotterdam and 450 in

accurate and useful comparisons with

of Management, a part of Erasmus

Amsterdam. They ask relevant questions

port companies.”

University. “In contrast to other industry

about the ability to innovate, including

sectors, no studies have been made

the role of management, the budget for

The concept of innovation has

of the innovative strength of the two

innovation, the number of staff, areas of

deliberately been given a wide definition,

largest seaports in the Netherlands,”

expertise and the financial results. Each

as Jan Egbertsen explains: “It may involve

says Jan Egbertsen, senior adviser to the

participating company will receive an

new technologies or products, such as a

Port of Amsterdam. “This is why we have

individual benchmark.

new crane, and also process innovations

asked Erasmus University to go ahead

such as fresh ways to communicate on

with an innovation monitor among

Since 2005 Erasmus University has carried

the work floor. An important criterion

maritime companies in Amsterdam and

out many innovation-related surveys in

is how much an individual company

Rotterdam. In doing so, we will cover all

other branches of industry, such as the

is affected by innovation. A previously

sectors: Terminals, storage and transfer

food industry, chemical industry and

developed IT-system can be very

companies, shipping companies and

business services. “We have collected

innovative for a company that has never

service providers.”

data on some 10,000 Dutch firms,”

used that specific system.” www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 11

I N N O VAT I O N Oranjewerf Shipyard celebrates 60 years

Recession still a long way off Oranjewerf Shipyard celebrates its sixtieth birthday this year. Over the course of the past six decades, the daughter company of Damen Shipyards has developed into a widely respected shipping company.

“For the time being we will remain unaffected by the recession,” says Commercial Manager Tom Hol.

It is a beautiful winter’s day with bright

Offshore

To support the wide diversity of

blue skies and the Oranjewerf Shipyard in

Hol has seen a steady increase in the

activities on offer (repairs, maintenance,

Amsterdam is a hive of activity. In the 135-

yard’s offshore orders over recent years.

installations and extensions), the

metre dry dock, the Norwegian offshore

“The provisional annual figures for 2008

Oranjewerf Shipyard has its own

vessel Troms Fjord is ready for inspection.

show that offshore is currently one of

machine shop and a construction hall.

The Far Splendour, also from Norway, is

our largest sectors. Oil companies and

The company is currently purchasing a

moored at one of the six berths, where

offshore companies often work with

computer-controlled milling machine

Oranjewerf is performing the major task of

long-term contracts so we expect a steady

to facilitate specialist activities in the

modifying her three generators. “We have

demand for offshore support vessels for

machine shop. The construction hall

sufficient orders for the coming months,”

the time being.” In addition to offshore

includes a shipbuilding press (180 tons

confirms Hol. “The financial downturn

vessels, the shipyard also welcomes

of pressure), a semi-automatic guillotine

seems to have passed us by so far - we even

numerous tugboats, dredging vessels,

shear, a section bender and a plate

recently had to turn down various new

coasters, reefers, tankers, inland vessels

bending machine. Oranjewerf also has a

orders because we were fully booked.”

and fishing boats to its premises.

steel workshop and warehouse.

Aerial view of the Oranjewerf shipyard in Amsterdam

12 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

Far Splendour at the quay

The yard’s grounds also house various

use in 2003 and, after surviving several

new 10,000 Volt electrical installation,

individual suppliers with which

difficult years, the shipyard has developed

a new dock entrance and replacement

Oranjewerf cooperates. Plug en De Boer

into a healthy company with around 45

of several sections of the dock floor.

repairs and sells propellers and propulsion

permanent employees.

“We also recently placed a new 12-

systems, A. de Keizer is an electrical

ton topper crane by the transversal

installation company and Braspenning is

The Oranjewerf Shipyard was equipped

slipway, renovated the repair berths

involved with onboard conservation.

with a new dry dock in 2005. “We had

and purchased new compressors. These

an outdated dock that was becoming

investments create a solid foundation for

Healthy company

too small for our activities,” Hol explains.

a successful future.”

Oranjewerf is renowned far beyond

“Thankfully we had the opportunity to

the Amsterdam ports. The yard

take over a large, up-to-date 135-metre

Oranjewerf has six repair berths of

was established in 1949 by several

dock from a shipyard in Rotterdam. This

27 to 150 metres. Five of these have

companies including Verschuren &

was a considerable improvement with

cranes, electrical shore connections, fire

Co, the Royal Netherlands Steamship

regard to the old dock, which had a

extinguishing systems, ballast and cooling

Company (KNSM) and the ‘Nederlandse

capacity of ‘only’ 4,000 tons. The new dock

water, and connections for compressed

Rijnvaartmaatschappij’. The yard was

also allows us to work with up to 10,000

air, gas and oxygen. The yard also has a

taken over by electrical company Okay

Volts.”

100-metre transversal slipway with a load

Giesselbach in 1981 but the new owner

capacity of 1,500 tons. Intended mainly

went bankrupt due to the hard times

Investments

for inland vessels and small ocean-going

then prevailing in the shipping industry.

To make optimal use of the dry dock

vessels, this slipway is used by around 150

Fortunately the Amsterdam company was

Oranjewerf had to adapt its infrastructure,

ships each year.

taken over by Damen Shipyards in 1989.

including some dredging work, the

The old name Oranjewerf came back into

moving of several mooring facilities, a

www.oranjewerf.com www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 13

1-1 PAG. USA:USA 2006

14-01-2009

09:02

Pagina 1

CERES

New Head office Extension area

60.000 m 2 Rail Terminal

D.C. Sheds

Inland Barge Terminal Deep Sea Quay

Amerikahaven: USA - Container & RoRo terminal

Vlothaven: USA - Bulkterminal

• 550 m Deepsea quay

• 300 m Deep sea quay

• 300 m Coaster & barge quay

• 50.000 m2 Open space area

• 30.000 m2 Rail terminal

• 5.000 m2 Warehouses

• 35.000 m Warehouses

• 525 m Rail track

• 20.000 m Container cleaning, maintenance & repair department

• Sophisticated bulk equipment

2 2

• 10.000 m2 Stuffing & stripping area • Loading docks, 24 units • 2.400 m Offices 2

New Ter Haak group Head Office

Suezhaven: USA - Cocoa/Plywood terminal • 800 m Deep sea quay

• Road connecting to Schiphol

• 25.000 m Warehouses

• Total surface: 30 hectares

All terminals I.S.P.S. certified

Vlothaven

2

Suezhaven

YOUR COMPASS TO PROFIT!

USA, United Stevedores Amsterdam V.O.F, is a registered trademark and part of the Ter Haak Group.

Ruijgoordweg 80, Westpoort 7989 - 1047 HM Amsterdam - The Netherlands T +31 20 6116688 F +31 20 2011882 E usa@usamsterdam.com W www.terhaakgroup.com

I N N O VAT I O N small natural gas fields in the North Sea

Fabricom builds compact new drilling installation Small gas fields in shallow seas can be exploited at lower costs thanks to a new type of drilling installation under development by Fabriacom Oil & Gas in IJmuiden.

There are numerous small natural gas fields in the southern part of the North Sea and it is currently too expensive to extract this gas with the existing drilling and production platforms. These installations are too large because they were designed for much greater water depths and apply 24-inch drilling holes.

The Dutch Natural Gas Company (NAM), a joint venture between Shell and Exxon Mobil, plans to exploit these reservoirs in keeping with the Dutch government’s ‘small field policy’. This approach is aimed at maintaining Holland’s gas supply by keeping up the pressure in the large natural gas field in the North of Holland for as long as possible.

Fabricom Oil & Gas designs advanced offshore installations

Crucially, the production of these smaller gas fields will only become profitable with

Fabricom Oil & Gas is partnering with the

Swift Drilling has signed a five-year

smaller, less expensive installations, which

Van Es Group near Rotterdam in the joint

contract with NAM with an option for

is why Fabricom Oil & Gas is developing

venture company Swift Drilling BV. Van Es

five one-year extensions. In return, Swift

a new compact and lightweight drilling

has platforms for use on quays, oil and gas

Drilling will drill and maintain exploration

installation. This will also be able to drill

platforms and offshore wind turbines. For the

and exploitation holes. The new platform

holes of 12-1/4 inch, considerably less

joint project Van Es is constructing a platform

is expected to be operational by 2010.

than the 24-inch holes that are usually

for minor water depths up to a few score

applied in the North Sea.

metres, which makes it relatively cheap.

www.fabricom.nl

Offshore Access System successful Another recent innovation from Fabricom Oil & Gas is the Offshore

third vessel, the REM Mermaid, is leased by GDF SUEZ Exploration

Access System (OAS).This enables personnel to be transferred safely

& Production and will be used to access four platforms of the

from a ship to a fixed offshore installation/wind turbine via a heave

French oil company during the coming year. The first operational

compensated, telescopic access system mounted on the vessel.

OAS in the central North Sea has recently begun operation out of

Allowing individuals to be dropped off or picked up without using

Aberdeen Harbour, mounted onboard the platform supply vessel

a helicopter, the OAS has already been deployed on 1,300 occasions

FD Incredible chartered by Chevron Upstream Europe.

without technical or operational problems, and is currently in use on three supply vessels in the southern part of the North Sea. The

www.offshore-solutions.nl

www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 15

amsterdam seaports

16 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports bucks recession trend Although the economic downturn is having a significant

Amsterdam Seaports by April 14 compared to ‘only’ 612 by 30

impact on the global goods flow, Amsterdam Seaports

April last year.

continues to perform relatively well. The energy sector in general is still growing apace, as shown by the accompanying

Some sectors are more affected by the economic situation,

picture of NuStar in the port of Amsterdam.

however. This applies especially to dry bulk, container transfer and Ro/Ro, which are not doing as well compared to 2008.

The investments in new quays and storage terminals by

There has also been a slight reduction in the number of

companies such as NuStar, Oiltanking, EuroTank, BP Amsterdam

seagoing vessels visiting the four seaports (Amsterdam,

Terminal (BAT) and Vopak are clearly bearing fruit. Provisional

Velsen/IJmuiden, Beverwijk and Zaanstad): 1914 seagoing

figures show that 617 oil tankers had already moored in

vessels so far, compared to 2028 last year.

www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 17

I N N O VAT I O N

Sustainability is here to stay Dutch construction firm BAM organised a conference for the Amsterdam region in March, focusing on industrial sustainability and the Cradle to Cradle concept – the smart recycling of waste products for food and new products. One of the companies that presented its results was steel producer Corus.

German chemist Professor Michael Braungart, who gave the opening lecture, is seen as the spiritual father of the Cradle-to-Cradle principle. Together with William McDonough, he wrote the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things in 2002. In summary, the authors argue that it is perfectly viable to produce food from waste. Braungart is convinced that it is possible to fully recycle waste products using industrial technologies and other processes.

A prime example is concrete, which extracts harmful substances from the air.

Corus, a good neighbour Corus was one of the industrial participants in the symposium. In his

The exhibition floor showing sustainable industrial products

presentation, General Manager Hans Regtuit outlined how tough it is for a

elements in our products.” This second

electricity as well as heat for 60,000

steel producer like Corus to meet all

method is used in copper, for instance.

households in the city of Alkmaar, around

environmental regulations. The company

45 kilometres northwest of Amsterdam.

is faced with numerous related laws

Regtuit also believes that a sustainable

In addition, the municipality of Zaandam,

and decrees, and Regtuit considers it

product approach requires more stimuli

directly north of Amsterdam, recently

an achievement when an integrated

from the market than is currently the

decided to partner with HVC on a new

steel producer with over 200 different

case. “Demand is lagging behind and, as

bio-energy plant on the North Sea Canal,

emission locations manages to score well

a result, producers and their clients lack

which will generate both heat and

on reducing those emissions.

a major motivational factor for properly

electricity.

mapping out the sustainability aspects of Cradle to Cradle is an ideal solution

steel products.”

The energy supplier has further plans.

for Corus as steel is a sustainable

The company sees the opportunity

product that can be recycled without

Bio-energy plant

for five bio-energy plants and is also

compromising on quality. And the

Eljo Vos-Brandjes is Strategic and Market

looking to construct two fermentation

principle applies not only to the product

Manager at HVC, a waste management

plants in the province of North

phase but also (re)use. “We produce steel

and energy supply company active

Holland. In addition, HVC is investing

as a semi-manufactured product and

in 55 municipalities in the North of

in fermentation and, in the future, gas

are mainly busy with reducing emissions

Holland. “HVC has developed from a

and biomass, a technology that the

during steel production,” Regtuit

waste processing company to an energy

company is developing in cooperation

explains. “We cannot always influence if

supplier. We aim to realise large-scale

with the Energy Research Centre of the

and how this steel ends up in sustainable

biomass as an energy source and are

Netherlands.

products. But together with our clients

involved in developing the best possible

we aim to minimise the environmental

technologies to close the cycle.”

www.bamindustrieservices.nl

impact, including weight savings and reducing the number of harmful micro-

www.corus.nl HVC already has a plant that generates

www.hvcgroep.nl www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 19

I N N O VAT I O N

Dutch customs go digital Dutch customs are changing at a rapid pace, partly due to the implementation of smart technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device). Eggo Bert Smid, Director of Customs West, one of four customs regions in the Netherlands, explains more.

Eggo Bert Smid at Amsterdam Container Terminals (ACT)

Dutch Customs are moving with the times,

electronics we reduced the number of

allows Customs to be more efficient

says Smid, who joined the Management

regional offices from four to one. Because

according to Smid. The number of offices

Team of Customs West in 2008. Customs

we understand how the shipping industry

in Amsterdam Seaports has been cut

West operates in the western Dutch

and ports operate, our new starting point

back to one service point in Amsterdam’s

provinces of North Holland and South

is that our work should delay the flow of

western port area.

Holland, with the exception of the

goods as little as possible. We approach

Rotterdam ports. Its remit includes

main ports and external borders from a

“Switching from manual to digital working

Amsterdam Seaports and Amsterdam

foundation of trust where possible, and

methods has considerably improved

Schiphol Airport (see opposite).

inspections where needed.”

our effectiveness,” Smid continues.

“Companies no longer have to leave

One of Smid’s responsibilities is the

The Board Member of Customs West

their offices to deliver their paperwork

Dutch seaports between Den Helder

actively touches base with businesses to

and, as of 1 July 2009, will also be able to

and The Hague. He is also in charge of

find out what is happening in Amsterdam

submit declarations electronically.” Smid

all activities in the western provinces of

Seaports.

is convinced that this move will not affect

North Holland and South Holland, as well

the presence of Customs in Amsterdam

as being involved in the supervision of the

Electronic formalities

Seaports. “Although risk assessment of

territorial waters.

Clearing goods and vessels, processing

vessels and cargo increasingly takes place

declarations and checking data is

in Rotterdam, we remain responsible

“Much has changed over recent years,”

increasingly an electronic process. The

for supervising the ports. We will still be

says Smid. “After the introduction of

subsequent reduction in paperwork

available and visibly present in the future.”

20 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

The Customs West patrol vessel Kokmeeuw in action

Certification

about developing a central inspection

received by special receptors in various

To further simplify matters, Customs

area for all government inspections in

locations and used for further electronic

developed a new certification system. To

the port region,” Smid explains. “We could

processing.” While Smid believes that

qualify companies must meet a number

also locate our container scan there,

this technology would be a huge step

of conditions, which are largely in line

check for hazardous substances and

forward, it can only be implemented

with the obligations they are already

perform veterinary inspections, saving the

when all parties work together. Customs

fulfilling. The SSTL (Smart Security Trade

shipping agent time and travel. We are

is also involved in dealing with terrorism,

Lane) and so-called horizontal supervision

pleased to be involved in such plans.”

the environment, port innovations and

are Customs’ main objectives, with trust

cooperation with other port authorities.

between the service and businesses

Trial project

being the starting point. A first step is

Customs West is currently involved in a trial

Customs currently focuses primarily on

the AEO (Authorised Economic Operator)

project concerning RFID (Radio Frequency

imported cargo during its inspections. “It

certificate that will ensure Customs can

Identification Devices). “When all relevant

would save us a lot of work if these goods

keep its dealings with certain companies

data is attached to the cargo with tags,

were checked in the country of origin

to a minimum.

each party involved can monitor the

as more data would be available on the

goods flow electronically,” Smid says. “This

exported cargo in the country of origin

Customs has expanded its cooperation

requires far fewer physical checks, which

than when it is imported here. We are

with companies and other governmental

is in everyone’s interests: Line services,

currently working on these issues using

institutions. “We are, for instance,

stevedores, authorities, inland shipping

a method that is supported by the World

brainstorming with the Port of Amsterdam

companies and clients. The cargo data is

Customs Organisation.”

Customs West The sphere of activity of Customs West is the provinces of

and economic issues, which includes inspections of the import

North Holland and South Holland with the exception of the

and export of firearms, munitions and medications.

port of Rotterdam. The service mainly operates in Amsterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where it checks passenger baggage,

The Land and Sea Unit of Customs West has around 300

and Rotterdam Airport.

employees, most of whom work in the field (non-stop) in North Holland and South Holland. They supervise the ports between

Customs West has a laboratory that checks whether goods are

Den Helder and The Hague, including monitoring the North Sea

authentic, contain illegal substances and are categorised correctly.

with coastguard vessels. Customs West uses the patrol boat w to

It is also the national coordinator for security, health, environment

supervise the port area of Amsterdam.

www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 21

I N N O VAT I O N Three billion investment in Amsterdam Connecting Trade

Junction of modalities The new logistics centre Amsterdam Connecting Trade (ACT) is due to be located south of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Spread across both existing and new industrial terrain, it will include terminals for trucks, inland shipping, goods trains and aircraft. The total investment amounts to some three billion euros.

The plan for the future Amsterdam Connection Trade, or ACT

The area between Amsterdam Seaports

size and diversity of this area will increase,

air transport by various parties. If all the

and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one

mainly due to Amsterdam Connecting

plans are realised, ACT will have a surface

of the most important logistical regions

Trade (ACT), the name given to a logistical

area of 141 hectares (see above). Air Cargo

of the Netherlands. In coming years the

junction designed for road, water, rail and

Netherlands, Flower Auction Aalsmeer, 足

22 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

Forward to the future. The new high speed rail terminal for freight trains near Amsterdam Airport

Air France-KLM, Schiphol Airport

Unmanned vehicles

is very interested in the ACT project: “With

and project developer Schiphol Area

One of the most interesting aspects

regard to export we are looking at HST

Development Company (SADC) are just a

of ACT is the so-called Uninterrupted

Cargo which would allow us to quickly

few of the major parties involved.

Logistic Connection (OLV), although it

transport flowers to Brussels, Paris and

The plans for ACT do not entirely revolve

is not exactly clear how this innovation

probably London too. Whether we will

around the future. The most important

will work. It may include a free corridor

actually do business with them depends

and already developed part is the

for trucks or a trajectory for unmanned

on the transport speed and costs.”

cargo area of Schiphol, which will be

goods vehicles. This latter option will

FloraHolland is also looking into container

expanded by a large terminal for trucks.

not be realised anywhere in the near

transport with ‘normal’ goods trains, which

The initiators also aim to construct a new

future, says Arjen Donkersloot, Modality

could largely replace road transportation

inland shipping terminal for container

Project Manager at ACT: “Transhipment

on longer distances such as to Milan.

transhipment.

to unmanned vehicles requires an extra

ACT is an expensive project. Designing

Another new element is a terminal for

link in the logistic chain, as a truck or train

and constructing all the industrial

high-speed goods trains to connect

would first have to transport the goods

grounds, buildings and infrastructure

ACT to the European Carex initiative, a

to their destination. Although unmanned

will cost around three billion euros and

collaboration between various future HST

vehicles are still too expensive with

industry will have to account for most of

terminals. Other transhipment locations

current technologies, this may change

these costs. As a result the development

are being developed in Paris, Lyon, Liege

in the long term.” The costs for OLV are

of Amsterdam Connecting Trade (ACT)

and London, followed by Barcelona,

estimated at between 120 and 220 million

will be a long-term project and the last

Madrid and Milan. Postal and express

euros, depending on the final objective.

pieces of land are unlikely to be released

companies as well as railroad companies

According to Edwin Weenink, Manager

until 2035. ACT will create some 15,000

will participate in Carex.

Supply Chain Development, FloraHolland

jobs.

www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 23

I N N O VAT I O N Forty percent of Corus scrap from abroad

No steel without scrap One of the materials used in the production of steel is scrap. Corus IJmuiden, situated within the Amsterdam Seaports area, buys around 750,000 tons a year.

Bijschrift

Scrap storage at Corus

To produce steel, Corus needs more than

in scrap metal.” Last year Corus imported

radioactive or contain asbestos.

ore, coal and lime, materials used for the

around 750,000 tons of scrap from third

production of pig iron in blast furnaces. It

parties. This figure is expected to fall by

Regular suppliers

also requires around 200 kilos of scrap to

some 25 percent in 2009 as a result of the

Corus obtains its scrap from a number

produce a ton of steel.

economic downturn.

of regular suppliers of which three

Corus IJmuiden manufactured some

You cannot use ‘any old scrap’ to make

European Metal Recycling and HKS Scrap

seven million tons of steel in 2008,

steel. The pieces may not be larger than

Metals. Around 40 percent is imported

for which it used around 1.35 million

1.50 m x 0.50 m x 0.50 metres and must

from abroad, of which around half is

tons of scrap. “We produce around 45

not contain too many other elements

transported by trucks and half via inland

percent of that scrap ourselves,” says

as this disrupts the production process.

shipping. Only a small percentage is

Jules Reichenfeld of Corus. “This is steel

One such element is copper and the zinc

transported by train from Germany.

that is salvaged after rolling or other

percentage should also be very low as this

production processes. The remainder is

heavy metal can cause contamination.

Corus would like to see a change in

mainly bought from companies that deal

And, of course, scrap should not be

this situation. “We would prefer to

are located nearby: Koster Metals,

24 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

transport up to 80 percent via inland shipping,” explains Reichenfeld. “This would considerably reduce the number of trucks on the roads to Corus and on our own premises. In addition, dealing with a small number of vessels instead of numerous lorries would make our administration far simpler.”

Another reason to reduce the number of kilometres travelled by road is that steel production is set to increase. The current recession will not change the longterm prognosis of a rising demand for steel, and therefore scrap. A large ladle furnace due to be installed at Corus in the fourth quarter of 2009 will also add to the demand for scrap. “This equipment allows us to manufacture steel types of the highest quality,” Reichenfeld concludes. “Once the furnace is in use we will require another 200,000 to 250,000 tons of scrap each year.”

Adding scrap during steel production

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Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 25

I N N O VAT I O N Amsterdam and Rotterdam Seaports team up to develop Portbase

The best of both port community systems Last March saw the port authorities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam toast the launch of Portbase, a merger of their respective communication systems. The goal is to ensure Portbase becomes the national system for all Dutch seaports.

The initiators of Portbase toast the official launch

The official presentation of Portbase

National system

According to Verhagen, both parties

in Rotterdam was a festive occasion

“Portbase is designed to become the

decided in October 2008 to switch to one

accompanied by a glass of champagne.

national system for all Dutch seaports,”

coordinating system as soon as possible.

The new port communication system

say Iwan van der Wolf and Erik Verhagen,

“The synergetic benefits are important

replaces Amsterdam Seaports’ PortNET

the two new Directors of Portbase. “The

but so is the obligatory electronic

and the Port infolink system used by

reason for the merger is simple: Many

declaration from Dutch Customs. This so-

the Port of Rotterdam, combining

ship brokers and shipping companies

called Export Control System (ECS) comes

all logistical information from both

as well as stevedores and carriers work

into effect on 1 July and will probably

seaports. This mainly involves incoming

in both ports and prefer working with

double the volume of electronic traffic.”

cargo from seagoing vessels, the storage

one registration and documentation

and distribution of goods, and transport

system that includes all procedures and

Four services

into the hinterland.

processes.”

PortNET, the system of Amsterdam

26 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

Seaports, had been in use since 2000 and

the possibility to report hazardous

nation,” said Dertje Meijer, Commercial

was two years older than Rotterdam’s

substances and specify seaport duties.

Manager Port of Amsterdam, during the

Port infolink, which was used for a much

official presentation. “Together, Amsterdam

larger number of messages and users.

Security

and Rotterdam form the largest port in

The initial applications of PortNET were

An extensive system such as Portbase,

the world.” Meijer also indicated that main

used by customs and the port authorities

with thousands of users and millions of

port Amsterdam Schiphol Airport might

for electronic declarations and, later, by

electronic messages, obviously requires

also become involved in Portbase at a later

the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee for

top-of-the-line security for both the

stage, creating one coordinating system for

checking passengers and crews.

database and the electronic traffic. In

all Dutch main ports.

this context, Portbase performs regular Rotterdam’s Port infolink is considerably

security audits in partnership with a Dutch

André Toet, COO Member of the Executive

larger. In the past year, private businesses

consultancy firm.

Board of the Port of Rotterdam, thinks

and the port authorities exchanged 23

The foundation for Portbase is formed

the cooperation between both ports was

million electronic messages, an increase

by the current services provided by

inevitable: “The investments for projects

of nearly 60 percent compared to 2007.

Port infolink. “Naturally we will adapt

such as Portbase are so immense that they

The Rotterdam system currently has

the system’s functionality to ensure

cannot be carried by one port alone.” In

around 3,000 users in 1,250 companies.

ease of operation for PortNet users as

its starting phase Portbase will cost an

Port infolink consists of three parts: An

well,” Van der Wolf adds. “Some sixty

estimated 8.5 million euros, which will be

information and communication system

permanent employees are involved in

met by the two port authorities as well as

with 25 services, a platform with public

system management and developing new

private businesses.

facilities, and a central database that

services.”

collects all the information exchanged

www.portbase.com

by businesses and authorities. Eight new

Amsterdam Airport

services were added in 2008, including

“Holland is pre-eminently a logistical

www.portinfolink.com www.portnet.nl www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 27

I N N O V A T I on Silver Star Agencies grows apace

“There are always ­chances for brokers” Over the past 12 years, Silver Star Agencies has become the second largest tanker broker in Amsterdam Seaports. Meet Graham Wastell, one of the two driving forces behind this successful company.

One of the tasks of Silver Star Agencies is ship-ship transfer between tankers

Graham Wastell is pleased to show us

1990, where I led the Amsterdam branch

office in Rotterdam with a manager and

his recently opened new offices, which

almost single-handedly for around 18

water clerk since 2005.”

feature a wealth of steel and glass. “We are

months.”

now much more centrally located than

During 2008 Silver Star Agencies

our former office near the port and closer

Due to the poor economic climate in the

handled 617 vessels, including nearly

to our main customers,” says the director.

early nineties Wastell lost his position

500 in Amsterdam and 120 in Rotterdam.

Celebrating its 12th birthday this year,

and decided to continue for himself. “I

This represents a major increase on

Silver Star Agencies came about after

established my ship brokerage company

the 350 vessels in 2005, and Wastell

a merger between Wastell’s company

Graham Wastell (GW) Agencies in 1993,

believes that his ship brokerage will

GW Agencies and Transworld Marine

and four years later this became part of

not be immediately affected by the

Agencies, where partner Rob Veldhuis

Silver Star Agencies, specialised in tankers,

current downturn. “I think we can keep

was General Manager.

bulk goods and mixed cargo.”

on growing in the tanker market as

Ship brokerage wasn’t entirely new to

all type of ships

economic hardship oil prices fall, which

Wastell when he started working in the

Veldhuis and Wastell remain directors

means people drive their cars more often.

industry around 1990. “I come from a

and majority shareholders. “Silver Star

This means more supplies to oil terminals

British-Dutch family and was raised in

currently manages all types of ships,

and more work for us.”

England. My uncle had a ship brokerage

including cruise and container vessels,

in Rotterdam. I became a water clerk at

and has nine people working at the main

In its relatively short lifetime Silver Star

ship brokerage Ronanco Agencies in

office in Amsterdam. We have also had an

has grown into the second tanker agent

it is relatively anticyclical. At times of

28 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

in Amsterdam Seaports, a respectable distance behind Vopak. “Vopak works partly in a different market segment - with large oil companies, the so-called majors. We are still too small for that, but who knows what the future will bring,�

Wastell adds with a meaningful smile.

There are certainly some ambitious plans for growth at Silver Star. “In 2007 we started a tanker agency in Ventspils, Latvia,� Wastell continues. “This port is a strategic transit and export harbour for the Russian oil industry and our office there already has nine employees.�

Investering in the future

Graham Wastell

According to Wastell, IT forms an important element in the corporate

accounts. This allows us to make very

new joint Portbase system of the ports

strategy of Silver Star Agencies. �I have

precise calculations of the costs of locks,

of Amsterdam and Rotterdam via the

been working with IT systems for the

tugging, mooring, waste levies and so

internet. This is an excellent example of

shipping industry since 1990. Initially this

on. Our IT specialist is currently working

synergy and forward thinking.�

included calculation programmes for total

on an improved version which will

harbour costs, known as disbursements

allow users to make contact with the

www.silverstar.nl advertentie

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)*MUIDEN AND !MSTERDAM HARBOURS 0 / "OX !% )*MUIDEN 4HE .ETHERLANDS

Graham Wastell (left) and Rob Veldhuis in the new offices of Silver Star Agencies

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Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 29

I N N O VAT I O N Spliethoff Shipping Company builds eight vessels with training facilities

Students ahoy!

The project IGO2C (‘I go to sea’) by Amsterdam shipping company Spliethoff has reached the halfway stage. The construction of eight special training vessels with extra work experience facilities for students from the regional Maritime Academy Amsterdam started two years ago and all parties involved are delighted with the results so far.

Students of the Maritime Academy Amsterdam during the pilot for the IGO2C project

officer.

Spliethoff and the Maritime Academy

According to Erwin Meijnders, Personnel

Amsterdam, a regional educational

With this project the Maritime Academy

Director of the Spliethoff Group, all parties

institute for various maritime professions,

aims to halve the number of students

involved are enthusiastic, including the

first joined forces in the IGO2C project

dropping out of intermediate education.

company itself, the Maritime Academy, the

in 2007. Their goal was to create better

In 2008, the joint initiative won two major

students and the coaching team.

work experience options for second-

Dutch awards, including one from the

year students in intermediate vocational

Royal Dutch Association of Shipping

With over 100 vessels, 2,000 staff and

education (mbo). Special facilities were

Companies (KNVR).

offices in 42 countries, Spliethoff is one

installed onboard eight new Spliethoff

of Holland’s largest shipping companies

vessels, which will be delivered from

Last March, a symposium on the current

and is regularly confronted with the

September 2009 onwards. The students

project results took place in the main

shortage on both the international and

onboard are led by a special training

offices of Spliethoff in Amsterdam.

Dutch maritime job markets. In the past

30 Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009

www.amports.nl

Artist’s impression of one of Spliethoff’s new training vessels currently under construction at a Chinese shipyard

Spliethoff has needed so many crew

three-week placement for Maritime

hours and the role of the teacher as

onboard that little space remained for

Academy students on the container

well as observing the cooperation with

training. For this reason the company

vessel Pulpca. This internship represents

schools, the inflow from lower secondary

contacted the Maritime Academy, which

the daily routine on Spliethoff’s new

professional education and the flow

in turn has trouble finding suitable work

vessels including education, watch

through to the job market.

experience placement opportunities.

duties, assisting the first helmsman on the bridge and replacing components

Training officers

Made in China

in the engine room. The students have

Spliethoff’s Personnel Director Erwin

For the IGO2C project, Spliethoff is

modern communication and educational

Meijnders underlines that in addition

building eight training vessels at a

tools at their disposal such as laptops

to noble motives, the company has a

shipyard in China. These commercial

and a wireless network for contacting

vested interest in the success of IGO2C.

vessels are 156.90 metres long and 22.80

the Maritime Academy on shore, and

The shipping company hopes to see

metres wide. The training facilities include

coaching is individually based. Van Lith

students returning after their graduation,

an additional training bridge above the

says that the students’ have been very

especially in sailing functions. The eight

actual bridge as well as other amenities

enthusiastic about these pilot placements,

vessels, with a life expectancy of 25 years,

for eight students and a training officer

who describe it as a unique but intensive

will generate a large number of work

such as cabins, a classroom and a social

experience. It is by no means easy for

experience placements. As yet, the major

area. The Chinese shipyard will be

these maritime students to comply with

problem seems to be finding sufficient

delivering one vessel every month from

a strict safety regime, including wearing

training officers and Meijnders has

September, and the first two should be

protective clothing and special footwear

asked the Maritime Academy to supply

operational by January 2010.

for three weeks on the trot.

candidates. Spliethoff is also roaming its own personnel files but due to the current

Enthusiastic responses

The scientific coaching is equally

shortages in the employment market, it is

Paul van Lith, first helmsman at Spliethoff

intensive, including regular evaluations

likely that these training officers will need

and training officer, explains how IGO2C

by teachers, the training personnel and

to be recruited from abroad.

works in practice. He is leading the pilot

crew. These involve didactics, study www.spliethoff.com www.amports.nl

Amsterdam Seaports No. 2 2009 31