Entries by sharper

RMSC welcomes Hienfeld as 60th member

While RMSC exists for 7 years this year, we are happy (and a bit proud) to welcome Hienfeld as our 60th member to the maritime business services community! During the start of RMSC in 2015, there were 20 companies who together thought it would be a great idea to join forces and put the business […]

Recap Spring drinks

It was a sunny Wednesday afternoon and the ambiance of the Lighthouse Café at the Maritime Museum gave the perfect venue for a get together between the members of RMSC and multiple prospective new members, where MARPRO immediately after the meeting signed up. Connie Roozen our chair gave a speech about the plans of the […]

Recap SMASH! event Autonomous Shipping

In March representatives of the sector gathered at a meeting organised by Smash! and IVR about insurances and the opportunities for autonomous shipping. A presentation about the possibilities by Damen Naval and the challenges and possibilities to insure autonomous vessels by SAA and MS Amlin gave room for discussion between the sector. For now, technically, […]

In the limelight: Edwin Veele and Mike Hagendoorn of HVK Stevens

When Willem Gerbers, one of the legal partners of Amsterdam-based Tax and Legal firm HVK Stevens, noticed how many other firms were leaving Rotterdam, he spotted a market opportunity and decided to buck the trend. And so, the company opened an office in Rotterdam in 2019, and they quickly developed an increased focus on the […]

Trend session Energy transition, 29 March 2022

Unmanned cargo ships, storage of CO2 and fuel from renewable raw materials. These are just a few of the inspiring innovations that are going on in the port of Rotterdam around the energy transition. The trend session Energy Transition in the port of Rotterdam of KPMG, Deltalinqs and Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) gave young […]

RMSC belated New Year’s dinner

RMSC’s belated new years’ dinner turned out to be a great get together in an intimate atmosphere. In restaurant Chung, members were happy to see each other again after a long time. Our last in person event was the business lunch at Europort three months ago. Due to limited availability we unfortunately were only able […]

Get to know the board: Erik Witjens

Joining Steven Verhaar as a new member to the board, Erik Witjens was also elected during the last general assembly. His term started per the first of January 2022. Who is this second new board member? My affinity with the maritime sector tends to surprise people somewhat: most people don’t expect a criminal defence attorney […]

Online masterclass autonomous shipping

On December 9 the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) organised a joint webinar with the Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe network. The online Masterclass focused on the perspectives of maritime business services providers on autonomous shipping. With the help of various members the RMSC succeeded in providing valuable insights about the role and importance of […]

Singapore – Rotterdam – maritime clusters connected

On Oct 7th the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) had the privilege to organise an interactive webinar between the maritime business services clusters of two leading areas in the world; Singapore and Rotterdam. The webinar started with a warm welcome to the more than 75 attendees by Dutch ambassador […]

Raymond Ko sails away…

After three years at the board the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) says of RMSC, we say goodbye to Raymond Ko. He started a new adventure at a shipping company earlier this year and together with Linda Treuman (manager of the RMSC), he looks back at his time with RMSC and the main challenges for […]

In the Limelight: Roderick Post – Post & Co (P&I)

On a sunny morning, the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community met with Roderick Post – owner and CEO of Post & Co – in his office with the most amazing view of the city and the port area: all of it is important to Roderick and the company; if you look at the port, that is […]

Application of 0% VAT rate for provisioning of drilling rigs

A blog by RMSC member HVK Stevens about the recently announced amendement of the Table II Decree by the State Secretary of Finance. Based on the VAT legislation, the 0% VAT rate applies to the supply of goods for the provisioning of certain ships. This is also laid down in the Table II Decree. Recently, […]

Cargo damage: the role and challenges of a P&I surveyor

A blog by Elbert Francke of RMSC member Van Ameyde Marine. There’s no such thing as a typical cargo damage survey. It’s not just the widely differing types of cargo but also the sheer endless number of potential causes. And the all-compassing tasks and responsibilities of the surveyor, who cannot take anything for granted. Let […]

Full pogramme and personal interactions at Europort

The RMSC looks back at an inspiring exhibition week during Europort in Rotterdam Ahoy. Besides our own business lunch there were a lot of other interesting events going on. As usual we and many of our members were involved with the Mare Forum Ship Finance. We were happy to see the increased attention for the […]

Five Questions For Sophie Stein of Dock Legal Experts

With the ‘five questions for’ series individual RMSC members get the opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. In this edition Sophie Stein talks about her role as as a lawyer at DOCK Legal Experts. What does a typical day for you look like? To be honest, when working as a lawyer there is no […]

PortXL meets RMSC

You see opportunities, we see risks! On October 29 various members of the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) and the start- and scale-ups of the PortXL 2021 program held an inspiring meeting. Interesting questions were raised and insightful connections were made. Tax issues On tax issues, for example, how companies can give shares out to […]

Invitation: IAME = where science meets business!

Special Invitation Industry Day at IAME 2021 Maritime Research Conference The Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) is happy to represent the maritime business services cluster during the upcoming International Association of Maritime Economists conference. This will take place on November 25, 26 and 27 in Rotterdam and online. Due to recent developments the event will […]

Friday & Co wins Young Corporation Award

We are proud that our member Friday & Co Shipbrokers received recognition for their attitude and efforts towards talent development. During the closing ceremony of ShipCon 2021 the hosts YoungShip Rotterdam and YoungShip International announced Friday & Co. Shipbrokers as winners of the Young Corporation Award 2021. Young Corporation Award 2021 With the annual Young Corporation […]

Young RMSC case Shipcon 2021

Young RMSC is organizing together with NIBC Bank and YoungShip a part of ShipCon 2021, a conference for young professionals in the maritime industry. It is an initiative from YoungShip and this year, the event will take place in Rotterdam. The main themes are digitalisation and technology, the energy transition and diversity. The event will […]

Welcome back Maritime Studies students from Singapore!

Just like last year the Erasmus Center for Urban, Port and Transport Economics (UPT) is organizing an online Exchange program for Singaporean Maritime Studies students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It is a one semester program starting from September with a total of 84 bachelor students participating this year. The Maritime Services Community (RMSC) is […]

Get to know the board: Steven Verhaar

During the annual General Assembly Steven Verhaar was welcomed as the newest member to the board by Connie Roozen. But who is he and what made him decide to join the RMSC board? I am a generalist with a passion for insurance and the maritime industry, working at DUPI is great – combining my two […]

NNPC secures itself of a strong maritime network in Rotterdam

Recently the Rotterdam Maritime Capital Network published this interesting interview about the four reasons why NNPC has chosen to locate their second office in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is one of the top 10 global insurance markets. The city is the place to be for the maritime insurance market and is actively strengthening this position. The city […]

Five Questions for Marc Padberg of Kneppelhout

With the ‘five questions for’ series individual RMSC members get the opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. In this edition Marc Padberg talks about his role as International Trade, Transport & Logistics Lawyer and Managing Partner at Kneppelhout. Who are you and what is your job description? Marc Padberg; International Trade, Transport & Logistics […]

RMSC welcomes new Board members at General Assembly

On September 9 our members were present in large numbers for the second real life gathering of 2021. During the annual General Assembly we brought everyone up to speed about our achievements and we also had the pleasure to welcome two new members to the Board. With over 40 people present at the Stadshaven Brouwerij, […]

Rotterdam Maritime Services Community: past, present and future

Let’s dive into the past, the present and the future of the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC). Just prior to this year’s summer holidays, Martijn Troost, Onno de Jong, Linda Treuman and Michiel Spitzer met to talk about the early, pioneering days of the RMSC, about where the community currently stands, and about what the […]

Five questions for Bart Hoogstad of Arntz van Helden

With the ‘five questions for’ series individual RMSC members get the opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. Just an informal way to get to know each other a little bit better and keep the community connected during times of social distancing. In this edition Bart Hoogstad elaborates about his role as surveyor/loss adjuster at […]

Commercial and transport law courses overview 2021-2022

Many Dutch universities and other institutes offer (regular and post-graduate) courses in Dutch and/or English on maritime law, transport law (incl. air and space law and law on rail and road transport) and related areas of law such as commercial law, law on competition and public procurement, customs, energy and water, environment, insurance, logistics and […]

Nominate a maritime business services provider for the Young Corporation Award 2021

Do you know or work for a maritime business services provider that you believe is a frontrunner in creating opportunities for young professionals? Make sure to check out the criteria and nominate your candidate for the Young Corporation Award. A great opportunity for the RMSC to put the industry on the map towards young professionals […]

Rotterdam: enviable conditions for maritime business services

In the lead-up to Brexit, Thomas Miller, a London-based provider of marine and transport insurance services. started investigating the options for setting up a licensed subsidiary on the European continent as a necessary next step in continuing to serve its members following the UK’s departure from the EU. After a thorough ‘Tour d’Europe’, Rotterdam was […]

Great networking and exercise during RMSC & NZS Walk & Talk

With the help of outstanding weather conditions the RMSC & NZS Walk & Talk was a great opportunity for the first in person event of the year. On Thursday July 8 over fifty members of the RMSC an NZS gathered at the foot of the Erasmusbridge. Together they participated in a Covid-19 proof culinary tour. […]

Vulnerabilities in the Maritime Industry: corruption

Recap webinar June 18 The Maritime industry is international by nature, and with that, different ways of doing business, both cultural and legal occur. This can expose companies and employees alike to corruptive activities. A great topic to discuss with a criminologist, employment lawyer and a criminal defence lawyer. During the live session, Erik Witjens […]

Five questions for Rod Schlick of Friday & Co Shipbrokers

Because current times limit networking opportunities the RMSC would like to give individual members an opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. Just an informal way to get to know each other a little bit better and keep the community connected. In this edition Rod Schlick of Friday & Co Shipbrokers talks about what’s it […]

RMSC meets Rotterdam Maritime Board

The Rotterdam Maritime Services Community was asked to co-organise a meeting with the Rotterdam Maritime Board (RMB) on May 19. This advisory board to the Rotterdam municipality chooses topics of interest for the broad port and maritime cluster to discuss about. The covid proof meeting was held at the premises of RMSC member STC Group. […]

Five questions for Bas Kleijnjan of Van Woerkom, Nobels & Ten Veen

Because current times limit networking opportunities the RMSC would like to give individual members an opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. Just an informal way to get to know each other a little bit better and keep the community connected. In this edition Bas Kleijnjan elaborates about his role as surveyor and partner at […]

Five questions for Niels Berkhoudt of Aon

Because current times limit networking opportunities the RMCS would like to give individual members an opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. Just an informal way to get to know each other a little bit better and keep the community connected. Niels Berkhoudt, Senior Broker Marine Hull at Aon kicks off. Who are you and […]

Global Maritime Forum essay competition

A new vision for the maritime sector in 2050 A perfect opportunity for our Young RMSC professionals: The Global Maritime Forum organizes an essay competition for young professionals who dare to express their thoughts. When considering the changes that the maritime sector will go through over the next 30 years as it adapts to a […]

Updated RMSC website

The RMSC used the past couple of weeks to update the website to implement the recently developed new visual identity. The new version of the website was recently launched. When we started working on the Overview 2020 the decision was made to update the RMSC visual identity. The new design is fresh and modern. This […]

Young RMSC – an interesting year

2020 has been an interesting year, whereby we changed to a digital environment. Young RMSC has adapted to the digital world as well and stayed hereby connected. Young – RMSC tries to be the voice of all young members active in the maritime business services industry. The younger generation always have different views on the […]

SMM Hamburg & Project Cargo Summit – matchmaking online

As all international events are changing to online events, RMSC had the pleasure to present the greater Rotterdam maritime business services cluster internationally during SMM Hamburg and via the Project Cargo Summit matchmaking tools. I took the opportunity to explain the common goals of RMSC and at the same time would hereby like to shine […]

Opportunities and challenges for the superyacht sector

As in Formula1, the latest techniques in the superyacht sector can be implemented in other sectors! During one of the first content webinars of 2021, the focus was placed by NMT, RMSC and Maritime Delta on the superyachts sector. Hein Velema of RMSC member Marstrat started with an overview of the sector, which indicated that […]

Deep dive Young Maritime Board – Rotterdam, port of talent

Early december the City of Rotterdam organised a deep dive for the Young Maritime Board. The board discussed opportunities to attract and retain talent for the regional maritime cluster. Afterwards they presented their ideas digitally to Vice-mayor Maarten Burggraaf (Municipality Dordrecht) and Regional Minister Jeannette Baljeu (Province Zuid-Holland). Thomas van Oorschot (Young RMSC) is a […]

Frits Gronsveld: Recognition for the cluster of maritime business service providers in Rotterdam

Frits Gronsveld (Chairman Board of Directors – STC Group) is one of the members of the Advisory Board that contributes to the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC). The board consists of various experts with first-hand knowledge about current affairs and strategic issues that might affect maritime business services providers. In this interview he shares his […]

Insightful article about the legal aspects of autonomous shipping

Recently Willemijn Putz of Boonk van Leeuwen Advocaten published an interesting article about the legal aspects of autonomous shipping. In order to provide a sound legal framework for ships to be able to sail legally maritime legislation needs to changed. In the article she uses recent Dutch case law on the collision between a pilot […]

Overview 2020 Rotterdam Maritime Services Community

During 2020, when all things changed, RMSC has organized 13 events, both online and offline when possible. With pride, we present you the Overview 2020, where you can read what RMSC does, both event wise as during meetings with other institutes. Our online visibility has almost doubled and together with our members, we promote the […]

Skilled expertise wherever and whenever you need it

Van Ameyde Marine strengthens the connection between Rotterdam and Singapore Van Ameyde (VA) is Europe’s market leader in the area of complex & commercial loss adjusting and surveying, and with the recent strategic partnership with Seasia, the ties are strengthened between the regions. Walter Dekkers of Van Ameyde Marine, member of RMSC, shares his insights. […]

In the Limelight: Threatspan & PortXL

Mitigating risks and dismantling conservatism in the maritime industry Recently the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC) spoke with member Leon Yen – Founder and CEO of Threatspan – and Philip Roos – Senior Acceleration Manager at PortXL. During the interview the two maritime enthusiasts elaborated on the importance of mitigating cyber risks and how to […]

Webinar Talented Young Professionals and the Maritime Industry

Join Youngship Rotterdam, Jong Havenvereniging, Young RMSC and Young NMT for a webinar about what talented young professionals have to offer to the maritime industry and vice versa. During this live webinar you can learn more about the perspectives of experienced managers on talent development in the maritime cluster. The webinar is jointly organised to […]

Maritime Capitals United – Singapore & Rotterdam

This fall, Singaporean students are following an Erasmus UPT’s Study Abroad Programme For the second time Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics (UPT) provides a study abroad programme for bachelor students from Singapore. This year 85 students from the undergraduate programme Maritime Studies at Nanyang Technological University will follow the custom-made study abroad […]

Hydrogen Value Chain – quick scan research for the Rotterdam region RMSC participates

As RMSC we are also involved in different concertation bodies in the Rotterdam region. Our community actively participates in the research done for the maritime cluster in the greater Rotterdam region. Recently, the municipality has done a study to the opportunities in the hydrogen supply chain. RMSC was asked for their opinion. The development of […]

Project Cargo Summit recap

The world economy has taken a massive hit, but as entrepreneurs and economists will often tell you, crises also present opportunities. During the online edition of the Project Cargo Summit 2020 on the 23rd and 24th of September, we explored these opportunities in-depth. With participants from all over the globe (>75 nationalities) and hundreds of […]

Networking event (Corona proof) aboard De Eendracht

It is almost unbelievable how quick things can take a different turn. Exactly two weeks ago (September 17) RMSC members were happy to meet aboard De Eendracht for the first RMSC ‘in person’ event in months. Everyone was eager to see each other. Of course strict precautions were in place: the number of passengers was […]

Maritime business services represented in Young Maritime Board

Vice-mayor Kathmann of Rotterdam launches Young Maritime Board On Friday September 25th vice-mayor Barbara Kathmann – City of Rotterdam – launched the Young Maritime Board. The board consists of representatives of various networking initiatives for maritime young professionals in the Rotterdam region. The perspectives of young professionals working in the maritime business services industry are represented […]

RMSC member Anneke Kooiman voted to be on the IUMI Executive Committee

Today is the last day of the annual International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) conference which due to the worldwide circumstances was not held but broadcasted from Stockholm as an online conference. Also new this year is the opening up for non-underwriters and as a consequence it had the biggest news exposure in its history. […]

Cooperation VNO-NCW and Young Maritime Board

The City of Rotterdam works closely together with the industry, knowledge institutions and other authorities to develop the Rotterdam region as Maritime Captial of Europe. And to put the region on the map internationally. Part of this ambition is to attract and retain talented young professionals so the industry has access to a broad and […]

The Dutch tonnage tax scheme

The Netherlands is home to one of the most prestigious ship registers in the world. Dutch law provides special advantages to shipowners and ship managers. Dutch tax advisors are internationally renowned for their in-depth knowledge of the maritime industry and hands-on advice. Connie Roozen – Director at C&B More and Chair of the RMSC- was interviewed […]

General Assembly 2020

On July 4th, the RMSC organised its first live event in five months. The ING Bank invited us to hold the annual general assembly at their offices in Rotterdam. Of course the meeting was held in accordance with COVID-19 regulations. With 30 people attending, it felt great to see each other in person and discuss how […]

In the limelight: Emiel Paaij and Harry Mulder of DUPI Group

Inhouse expertise, strong networks and powerful IT solutions are key to success When asked about the most differentiating resources that make up the competitiveness of the DUPI Group, Emiel Paaij – Director Marine at DUPI Underwriting Agencies – and Harry Mulder – Client Director at BLAAK Underwriting Agencies, a DUPI Group subsidiary – reply decisively: […]

Commercial and transport law courses overview 2020-2021

Many Dutch universities and other institutes offer (regular and post-graduate) courses in Dutch and/or English on maritime law, transport law (incl. air and space law and law on rail and road transport) and related areas of law such as commercial law, law on competition and public procurement, customs, energy and water, environment, insurance, logistics and […]