RMSC at Business Forum during Singapore Maritime Week
On April 26, RMSC manager Linda Treuman participated in the Singapore Business Forum. The forum was organised by Rotterdam Partners and Maritime Consult (Marjan Lacet) as part of a special trade-mission. The high-level event included speeches by vice-mayor Robert Simons of Rotterdam, Allard Castelein (CEO of the Port of Rotterdam), Peter Goedvolk (chair of the Rotterdam Maritime Board) and Linda Treuman on behalf of the RMSC. Next to this the 14 innovative Dutch companies that participated in the trade-mission presented themselves. As well as putting the complete regional cluster into the spotlights.
During her speech Linda took the opportunity to share her vision about the role and added value of maritime business service providers. The forum was part of the trade mission that was organised by Rotterdam Partners. Check out the full speech text to learn more about what Linda had to say…
Speech at Singapore Maritime Forum
Of course I would also like to welcome you to today’s business forum.
What to add after such impressive speeches about the city of Rotterdam, the green corridor and what the regional maritime cluster of Rotterdam brings to the table?
The Importance of Maritime Facilitators
Well, today I would like to talk about the facilitators who make it possible to do business at all.
The maritime sector often illustrates its importance through impressive sights.
When you are building a new ship, you can make the most amazing pictures of the process. When you operate a terminal, the view of large cranes and the sheer size of the cargo is a sight for sore eyes – at least, when you are born in a major port city, like me.
An inspection report or a charter party might not look very impressive. But they have a big impact on business and the relationship between parties involved.
Therefore, I would like to introduce you to the facilitators who are invaluable for doing business in the port and maritime sector.
Introducing RMSC
My name is Linda Treuman, and I am the manager of the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community, or easier said; RMSC. A well-established community of companies active in the full spectrum of the port and maritime industry.
Ranging from: Financial advice; Insurance; Classification; Consultancy; Education; Broking and Legal advice.
All with in-depth knowledge of the maritime industry and experts who often work cross-sectoral within all corners of the industry. This provides them with the opportunity to notice trends and developments at first hand.
These are the experts that help to smoothen the process and make sure you can succeed in creating sustainable competitive advantage. It is their knowledge and expertise that can help to accelerate maritime innovation.
Don’t forget, it would be very difficult to take the next steps in sustainable transport without a new ship design being financed. Or insured for that matter.
When a port or a terminal operator would like to develop a plot of land; contracts need to be drafted.
The RMSC and its members, big and smaller, are an integral part of this. We actively participate alongside experts of the ports, economic specialists from the government and knowledge institutes.
Discussing various topics such as implications on autonomous shipping, hydrogen as the next energy carrier, or developments in the superyacht industry for example.
And more important: How these developments can be integrated in the broader maritime ecosystem. And with that strengthening the position of the entire maritime cluster.
Three Key Aspects of RMSC
As RMSC we are proud of the role of our members in the success of the regional maritime cluster of Rotterdam.
The somewhat invisible, but indispensable group of maritime business service providers in Rotterdam have a lot to offer; and I would like to mention three aspects;
Insurance and Co-insurance System
Like many countries we use a co-insurance system for complex risks. Meaning that such risks are shared among more than one company. Each insurer underwrites a certain percentage of the risk and will, in case of loss or damage, pay an equal percentage of the claim to the injured party/parties.
These marine insurers and brokers have a large chunk of their business in Rotterdam and place that either locally or in other countries like Lloyd’s, European market or Asian market.
Legal System and Specialized Courts
The Dutch legal system is based upon civil law and has specialized courts for different focus areas.
Maritime, transport and trade related matters in NL are exclusively dealt with by the court in Rotterdam;
The maritime chamber of the court in Rotterdam offers the possibility to conduct proceedings in English, German and Dutch. The chamber can call upon a special group of independent experts who are able to help the judge to gain relevant information.
Dutch court proceedings and arbitration institutes are known for their practical approach, which contributes to resolving disputes efficiently.
Education and Human Capital Development
Started in the era of Napoleon, special maritime-oriented education spread in the Netherlands.
Rotterdam has a strong connection to the port and therefore education is specialized: From vocational to bachelors and masters level education, in Rotterdam for economic and Delft for technical expertise, we have it all. Combined with large simulator parcs for navigation, crane operators, etc. for professional education of people, lifelong development in the sector is also guaranteed.
And with these bright minds, we set course on innovation, both in operations as well as in next-generation technologies such as new fuels and their safe usage.
Speaking of education: human capital development is a focus area for us.
In close cooperation with our members such as schools and universities, we enthuse young people to choose a career in the maritime sector. Every year RMSC organizes various trend sessions for the next generation of maritime professionals.
We see a lot of young and enthusiastic women in our community, who will drive the development towards more diversity in the maritime sector.
A law student who starts a career in a law firm might cross over towards a position as legal counsel at a shipowner after a couple of years.
Or a business analyst can start at a bank, with his next step being at a terminal developer.
But the most important aspect, it is still a people’s business: a well-functioning business services community is of utmost importance to excel your business, enhance innovation, and have access to the right information at the right time.
Conclusion
As RMSC, we strive to exchange knowledge, enhance networking opportunities, promote our industry internationally and with that, further strengthen the position of Rotterdam, the Maritime Capital of Europe.
There are multiple RMSC members present today; Simwave, Value Maritime, ING, Van Ameyde Marine and Cyber Dockside, which shows the importance of the connection between Singapore and Rotterdam.
So don’t hesitate to contact them or me, as the linkin pin between the community members and the maritime capital network. Thank you for your attention and looking forward to talking to you afterward!
