MADE IN HOLLAND PORT OF DEN HELDER The most efficient supply chain Ideal location for offshore, maritime and marine logistics, operations & maintenance • Navy port available for civilian ships • Peterson efficient working delivers essential savings • Den Helder Airport aims to double number of jobs • Harbour and Shipping Association the binding factor in Den Helder’s DNA • Den Helder Support Service expands its facilitating options • Asset Management & Business Sustainability
Pioneers in international business
Den Helder The most efficient supply chain The most efficient supply chain for offshore and maritime is Den Helder. So it’s not surprising that multinationals from all over the world visit Noord-Holland Noord, the area to the north of Amsterdam, to observe the superbly organised logistics, operations & maintenance in a relatively small location. Technological developments and innovations are being expanded further in the region to safeguard its position as an important global link for the maritime sector and the offshore industry. Over the years, Den Helder’s DNA has proved to be healthy and strong, offering potential for growth even at a time when the sector is under pressure.
The cooperation between the private sector, the government and the Royal Netherlands Navy is constantly growing. In order to guarantee a healthy future, the usefulness of cooperation, particularly in this region, is recognised and being developed. Den Helder Airport works together with the Port of Den Helder while the port authority further expands its partnership with Defence. All of this is aimed at one goal: strengthening each other for a healthy future.
3 Port of Den Helder: Ideal location for offshore & maritime operations & maintenance 4 The Royal Netherlands Navy: Navy port available for civilian ships 5 Peterson’s Offshore Group: Efficient working delivers essential savings 6 Infographic
2 PORT OF DEN HELDER
Increasing numbers of suppliers for the offshore industry are basing themselves in the Dutch province of Noord-Holland because they see the added value of this way of working. Den Helder is the binding factor for many maritime and offshore-related companies, simply because that’s where everything is happening, now and in the future. The pivotal function of the Netherlands – with Den Helder at its heart – is unrivalled.
8 Den Helder Airport: Aims to double number of jobs 9 Harbour and Shipping Association: The binding factor in Den Helder’s DNA 10 Den Helder Support Service: Expands its facilitating options 11 Asset Management Control Centre: Asset Management & Business Sustainability
Port of Den Helder
Port of Den Helder: Ideal location for offshore & maritime operations & maintenance
source Dutch Photography
Port of Den Helder is an independently operating company. Previously, it was a municipal organisation. Piet-Hein Kolff, CEO, notes that it has now become easier to take steps towards a healthier future. ‘It’s become easier to take decisions and to make the rules in such a way that everyone can optimally benefit from the knowledge and scope that we offer. The cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Navy forms an important link in this. From the very start, the port has focused on offshore oil and gas, fisheries and the navy’s maintenance company. We can strengthen each other even more by using each other’s knowledge and potential. Dedicated quays are being built on the navy’s site to create more space. And if the port is busy, ships can now moor in free places in the naval port. In the future, we also hope to use the facilities provided by the Navy, such as radar calibration, ship’s hoist and dry dock. We are also seeking a civilian-military partnership for training purposes, such as the diving school, the Royal Institute for the Marine (KIM) and the Technology Campus. Maritime Campus Netherlands (MCN) and Dutch Offshore Academy (DOA) have an important role here, in the sense of “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”,’ says Kolff. In consultation with the Ministry of Defence, the Port Vision for the years up until 2030 has been finalized. ‘The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment was involved too. There are many ways in which we can develop the port in order to facilitate the oil and gas industry.’ For over thirty years, operations and maintenance activities have been developed for the offshore sector in Den Helder. ‘In the near future, we also hope to benefit from the offshore wind farms which are being constructed off the Dutch coast. We can make a good contribution with regard to maintenance and personnel. In strategic terms, Den Helder is obviously fantastically situated. The northwest tip of the Netherlands is optimal and a great base from which to access the North Sea. This can only boost the appeal of Noord-Holland Noord for businesses in the future. I’m convinced of that.’
‘The port offers scope for development.’
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The Royal Netherlands Navy
Navy port available for merchant ships and offshore vessels
source BM
The Royal Netherlands Navy and the Port of Den Helder have signed a statement of intent for further cooperation. Both organisations are aiming for shared civilian-military use of all the facilities in Den Helder. Commodore Kees Boelema Robertus, head of the Directorate of Materials of the Royal Netherlands Navy explains, ‘The Navy is also facing budget cutbacks and we need to provide a response. The basic infrastructure is under pressure. In that context, we are looking for partnerships in the widest possible sense. Our cooperation with the port is an example of such a partnership. ‘Together with the Port of Den Helder, we plan to optimally coordinate the planning, communication and training. This will be very important for developing and strengthening the entire port area of Den Helder, as well as Noord-Holland Noord. ‘Besides the benefits to the economy and quality of life in the region brought by the partnership, the Navy also aims to flesh out its social commitment. The Navy needs a good economic base in the region to support the strategic infrastructure of our high quality technical business. As an organisation, we do this by working alongside partners in the immediate environment.’ The partnership considerably boosts the capacity of the Port of Den Helder merchant ships and offshore vessels can now be redirected to the naval port if necessary. ‘Only a relatively minor modification to the port was required to enable this. We also set up a joint planning cell. Our strength rests on personnel and materials logistics and routine. There are therefore many similarities with the offshore which we can both use. We are looking for both local partners and international partners in order to maintain a strong base. For example, we already work with the Belgian navy for maintenance of our fleet. The partnership with civilian companies will definitely expand. Even if this takes place in small steps, it will deliver synergy. We now want to do the same thing to create a win-win-situation. And that’s actually the biggest and most important step which has been taken.’
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Peterson’s Offshore Group
Efficient working delivers essential savings The service provider Peterson manages the logistics for oil companies. Following the growth in ships’ movements in Den Helder, this must be done as efficiently as possible. CEO of Peterson’s Offshore Group, Erwin Kooij, explains, ‘To achieve this, we work together with the government. Because we were able to advise the municipality of Den Helder and the Province of Noord-Holland that modernisation of the quays was required in order to guarantee a healthy offshore future for Den Helder, this modernisation was also carried out. And we therefore more than fulfilled our initial assumptions and expectations.’
source Peterson
This is just one example of the success story in Den Helder. ‘The oil and gas industry is fairly conservative; we challenge ourselves to think outside the box. For operators, the operational costs are rising. It is therefore sensible to study possibilities for sharing capacity and thus costs. Because sharing is obviously cheaper. If you ensure that a ship is fully loaded rather than sailing with an almost empty deck, and thus supply several platforms with one ship before returning to the port, you can help several companies cut costs. Our total overview enables us to bring supply and demand together. ‘For example, countries like Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Trinidad have shown interest in our way of working. Governments own the supply bases and can supply the platforms quickly and easily. I need something, so make sure I get it. What they don’t realise is how inefficient this way of working is. Inefficiency often becomes engrained as a company grows. It’s then good to show how things can and must be done differently. We must optimise the logistics supply chain for the client and provide a strict planning and tight scheduling. ‘It is often difficult to determine how much capacity is required for an oil rig or production platform. Given the immense experience of our planners and close cooperation with our clients, we ensure that ships and helicopters are used as efficiently as possible. At the same time, working safely always has priority. This includes uniform training and the use of safety signs. This uniform approach ensures that everyone knows what to do in a certain situation, regardless of the ship or platform they are working on. All this is supported by our Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) policy, in which everything possible is done to guarantee safety. The oil and gas industry is thus leading in this. ‘For Den Helder, there are opportunities to expand and become the primary port of the southern North Sea. From here, we can also supply the locations in the British part. At the moment, this is still done from Great Yarmouth. However, once the suppliers who now operate in both locations realise that a base in one location is essential, Den Helder must be ready. We have those possibilities and we can optimally use them.’
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PORT OF DEN HELDER The most efficient supply chain
6 PORT OF DEN HELDER
Den Helder Airport With Stavanger and Aberdeen, the airport belongs to the most important European offshore helicopter airports. Den Helder Airport is fully equipped for helicopters flights to the offshore exploration and production platforms in the Southern North Sea and is also suitable for fixed wing aircrafts. The offshore industry is with 95% the largest customer with 40 to 50 daily flights to approximately 160 exploration and production platforms. Extremely well-equipped to carry out regular services and (business) charter flights. Number of passengers between 130,000 and 140,000 annually on average. Allowed number of flight movements: 25,000 annually. Licence for 27,000 flight movements per year in progress.
Facilities • 1,275m runway with a maximum take-off weight of 27,000 kg with runway lighting equipment and approach lighting system. • Instrument Landing System (ILS) and VOR/ DME approach system (Very High Frequency Omni-Directional (Radio) and Distance Measuring Equipment) and 12 helicopter spots.
Port of Den Helder
For decades, Port of Den Helder has been Netherlands’ main port for offshore, maritime and marine logistics, maintenance and operations. More than 160 exploration and production platforms are serviced from the Port of Den Helder. The Port of Den Helder is traditionally the home base of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Port of Den Helder has become North Sea’s largest offshore logistic hub thanks to the combination of the seaport with direct access to open sea, the inner harbours, Den Helder Airport and the industrial and business areas. About 200 leading service companies, suppliers and main contractors to the offshore, maritime and marine industry (especially offshore oil & gas and offshore renewable energy ) are based in and around the Port of Den Helder. They cover all categories of the supply chain, such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Research & Development Detailed design Transport & logistics Metal construction and metal works Electricity and cable manufacturing Operation, maintenance & services Offshore & Onshore installation (including heavy lifting) Onshore pre-assembly Health, Safety, Environment & Quality control, monitoring and assessment Commissioning and testing Decommissioning Geotechnical and site survey Search & Rescue and emergency services Project management Insurance, legal and procurement
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Den Helder Airport
Den Helder Airport aims to double number of jobs Den Helder Airport is one of the largest offshore helicopter ports in Northwest Europe. Many offshore employees are transported from the airport to the oil rigs and production platforms every day. Conny van den Hoff, managing director, explains, ‘“Den Helder Airport is constantly developing to ensure it provides connections between the various offshore towns. For example, the airport is working on a line service between Den Helder and Aberdeen; and contacts are also being made to provide a connection with Esbjerg in Denmark. These connections offer many advantages for the oil and gas industry and the business market.’ Den Helder Airport also uses several of the facilities of the neighbouring Naval Airbase De Kooy. ‘We actively promote growth in the offshore and maritime sector and attract business. We also have a leading position in the field of maritime training. The decision to bring the naval flight simulator, the NH90, to Den Helder has therefore benefited our airport. This means that we can consolidate military-civilian cooperation and expand it in the future.’ The airport still has a wish list. ‘We would like to have a short-stay hotel within walking distance from the airport. However, such projects need long preparation. A civilian flight simulator would also be a good addition to our services.’ At the moment, Den Helder Airport has access to twelve spots. Besides accommodating helicopters, it can also take smaller aircrafts ‘with a capacity of around thirty passengers, such the Dornier 328,’ Van den Hoff adds. ‘Den Helder Airport, together with the airport office, offers around 500 jobs. We aim to double the number of jobs in the coming years. However, this depends on Den Helder’s appeal for supply companies for the air and seaport. Den Helder is the capital of the North Sea, the centre of the offshore industry. The airport forms an important link in that future.’
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Harbour and Shipping Assocation
Harbour and Shipping Association the binding factor in Den Helder’s DNA ‘Den Helder’s DNA is the basis for the town’s success.’ Edwin Stolk, the chair of HSA Den Helder, is convinced of this. ‘As the port association, we are the binding factor between enterprise, research, education/ training and the government. We have to create connections and seek partnerships in order to strengthen each other. Everyone is part of a supply chain. It is important that every link in that chain is optimally used to obtain the desired result: serving the oil and gas industry. This is a task which is vitally important for Noord-Holland Noord. And I can say that Den Helder has the most efficient supply chain in the world. Multinationals from various countries visit us to see how we achieve such high level logistics in a small location. ‘The Dutch Offshore Academy and Maritime Campus Netherlands raises Den Helder to a higher level where education is concerned. The initiative is supported by leading companies like Damen, Peterson, Vroon and TNO, the Dutch organisation for applied scientific research. In ten years’ time, we want to be Europe’s number one maritime competence centre, delivering high quality technology and education relating to oil, gas and wind energy. Connecting people and knowledge must be the driving force here to respond to market demand. ‘With regard to maintenance, operations and logistics, you constantly need to look at your organisation. What adds value to the port development, businesses and education? Which parties could help us become even more professional in the supply chain? By doing this, we demonstrate to business and industry that we are developing and that we are successfully working with others to create a specialised port complex. This is a strong region where more and more suppliers are settling because they see that the DNA is good for the offshore. We must ensure that we safeguard and strengthen that level. There are plenty of opportunities to develop the high quality technological civilian-military port organisation further. And we plan to take those opportunities.’
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Den Helder Support Service
Den Helder Support Service expands its facilitating options
source Lex Verspeek
It’s possible to organise everything using one company, from arranging a visa for personnel to organising transport from the airport to the platform, from providing rapid ship clearance to handling a freight consignment. These are just some of the services provided by Den Helder Support Service (DHSS). Owner Wim Schouwenaar explains, ‘The ships spend a relatively short time in the port of Den Helder, usually right by our head office on Nieuwediepkade. That’s what our region does well, in terms of organisation. We can do this because of our good relationship with the government, Navy and other users of the port. Efficiency is very important to the international companies whose ships moor here, which include many ships involved in seismological surveys. That costs between 200,000 and 300,000 euros a day. You therefore need to ensure that minimum time is lost in port.’ The port is the economic engine for Den Helder. It provides a lot of spin-off for businesses in the region. ‘Taxi companies, welding firms and hotels, for example. That regional commitment is more evidence of how onshore conditions are created in order to offer offshore facilities, with Den Helder at the centre. ‘With DHSS, our work area also includes the Dutch ports of Amsterdam, IJmuiden and Eemshaven. In terms of organisation and cooperation in a small area, Den Helder has an advantage compared with these ports. Making the sea port one or two metres deeper will create even more possibilities for the port. There are also plans to expand the quay area in the near future, which will enable us to maintain short mooring times. Recently, we created a logistic hub to guarantee the storage of goods and warehousing activities for customers from the oil and gas sector.’ From its base at Den Helder Airport, DHSS handles the freight for a number of oil companies. The company also hires in helicopters for crew changes. ‘Den Helder benefits from the higher number of drilling contracts and projects on the North Sea.’
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Asset Management Control Centre
Asset Management & Business Sustainability
source BM
The Asset Management Control (AMC) Centre is an initiative of John Stavenuiter. ‘He came up with the idea in the 1990s when he was involved in maintaining naval ships aimed at providing the required materials at minimum cost. It soon became clear that it was not just about technology, but also about people working together in a professional way. Having a shared goal and uniform information are vitally important in this. To achieve this, a new approach to information management has been introduced in the form of an Asset Portal for each type of material. On this portal, everyone involved, integrated in a Life Cycle Management Team, can share information and experiences online and work together in innovative projects.’ This new, integrated team approach is coordinated in the AMC Centre with a knowledgepartner network comprising dozens of organisations at home and abroad. In collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Defence, a two-day AMC seminar has been organised since 2002 at which the partners share their knowledge and experiences with interested parties. In recent years, a new trend has become visible: asset management based on business sustainability. ‘Because this is an aspect which has concerned many businesses and organisations for many years, we have been asked to map out a broad business network for Noord-Holland Noord.’ The Asset Sustainability Portal plays a key role here. This is an online environment in which businesses can find each other and share experiences and/or enter into partnerships. ‘In order to set a clear target for interested companies, there are possible improvements related to the Eco-cost Value Ratio (EVR), which can chart the optimal balance for a company. The Asset Sustainability Portal has been designed in such a way that business can easily and quickly see which options will help them achieve sustainable business operations in the most cost effective way. ‘We work internationally with Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) on the themes Wind Farm Logistics and Serious Offshore Wind Games. These games present a realistic case for managing and maintaining an offshore wind park and show the different facets of asset management.’ AMC Centre has entered into partnerships with Thales, Stork, Damen and Imtech and other leading companies. That forms the basis for the success of the online portal of the Business & Asset Sustainability Centre.
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source Beautiful Minds
PORT OF DEN HELDER
initiative Development Agency NHN