PortNews 2020 Issue 2

Page 36

MARITIME SERVICES

A long journey VLB expands facilities

Since 1971, the Vlissingse Bootliedenwacht (VLB, or Flushing Boatmen Company) is known for its service and quality regarding mooring and unmooring activities in Vlissingen. Located close to the entrance of the port area at the corner of the Quarleshaven and the Sloehaven, the company has for many decades been able to deliver, fast, secure, and safe services to many vessels. But, as we will learn from this article, the company has much more to offer.

Managing Director of VLB Wim van Splunder comments, “In 1971, my father and mother started with only one vessel over here. At that time, only a few, mainly producing companies were present in the port, leaving a lot of room for development. Throughout the years, our premises became surrounded by the activities of Verbrugge Terminals and C.RO Ports. Also, soon after the terrorist assault on the WTC in New York in 2001, ISPS rules became effective, meaning that the terminals of Verbrugge and C.RO Ports were closed by fences. Being enclosed by the two terminals and with limited access because of the security rules, our possibilities to grow and to offer the best possible service to our customers became limited.”

VLB Services Having started with offering mooring services, VLB expanded its activities throughout the years, which a few years ago

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