SHIPPING
An experienced shipping partner On its website, Vertom describes itself as ‘expert in worldwide shipping with over 40 years of experience’. And so much is true. Founded in 1974 as a company specialised in shortsea dry bulk services for minerals, fertilisers, and high-quality raw materials, the company has extended towards a more diversified range of maritime activities.
“Ton Pols founded Vertom more than 40 years ago”, says Arjan de Jong, Managing Director of Vertom, as he gives a short historical overview. “The name Vertom refers to the name of his first vessel, MV Vera Tomson. The company expanded in 1981 by opening various offices in Europe. In the mid-Eighties, the first steps were taken to establish a liner service to the Caribbean. Vertom has throughout the years managed to continue this growth. Vertom Shipping UK started business in 1999, and the first port agencies outside the Benelux were soon opened.
Family features A merger took place in 2010 with Unity Beheer (UCS), boosting the number of employees and activities, and this growth has been a fact up until today. This was also the moment when I came over from UCS to join Vertom.” Mr de Jong continuous, “Today, we have offices all over Europe in order to be close to the market. Despite our growth, we are still an independent company and although there is currently no role for the founding family Pols, our organisation still has many features of a family-owned
Photo courtesy of Scherp! Fotografie
14 I PortNews
Vertom Shipping.indd 14
12-02-20 09:49
