Five questions for Diederic van Keulen, Waves Group
Who are you and what is your job?
My name is Diederic van Keulen and I work in shipping all my career. I started on inland vessels followed by a 11 year career at sea working as Officer and Captain on many different ship types and seen the world. I am educated as Master Mariner and hold an Executive MBA in Shipping & Logistics. I have fulfilled various senior management roles in Vessel Operations and Technical Shipmanagement.
My job is regional manager in Waves Group and I am leading and expanding consultancy operations in The Netherlands and Continental Europe. My role combines business development, client relationship management, and operational leadership, ensuring that projects are delivered to a high standard and that regional performance meets the Group’s objectives.
What does a typical day for you look like?
Never a dull day. That’s typical when working in the shipping industry. My regular work consist of project & case management and business development, however my agenda can change rapidly when we receive client instructions, or an ongoing project demands for extra support.
What was the best advice (workwise) someone gave you?
Actually, I was always eager to learn more about shipping and have sailed and managed many different vessel types and gained a lot of experience and knowledge in marine transportation, technical ship aspects, vessel operations, maritime legislation and insurances which helps me to better understand the challenges of our clients and to provide them with customized services.
How could you be of help to others in the industry or the RMSC?
I have build up a large maritime network and I try to stay up to date with innovations and developments in the maritime industry which is knowledge I can share RMSC members and clients.
And lastly: what’s in the news which relates directly to your profession?
When I read about decarbonization or other green initiatives I am always curious to learn more about the details of these developments. These initiatives are important because they lead the energy transition which is actually happening.
