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
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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
4OWING ASSISTANCE FOR
)*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