General Assembly February 28 2024
On the 28th of February members of the RMSC were invited to the World Port Center at the Wilhelminapier, where the Port of Rotterdam graciously welcomed us to organise the annual General Assembly. With a sizable share of our members present, the board first looked back on 2023, in which a number of well received activities were held, and provided insight in the financial results and balance of RMSC. Pieter van der Burg (Nesec) and Jan van Esch (Artium) of the audit committee shared their findings with the assembly and found everything to be in order.
Board changes
Next on the agenda was the stepping down of Steven Verhaar (Hienfeld) as a board member. Unforeseeable circumstances led to him -regretfully- concluding that he could no longer combine RMSC with other obligations. On behalf of the board, Erik Witjens presented Steven with the customary bowl with the Rotterdam skyline, and thanked him for his invaluable insights and positive role in the board during his term.
Because the statutory threshold was not reached, the assembly could not yet officially appoint Maarten Veenstra (Lloyd’s Register Advisory) and Eva Klein-Ovink (ABN Amro) as new board members. Based on the articles of association, their appointment was postponed to a separate General Assembly, on the 22nd of March.
Management changes
Then the attention turned to Linda Treuman, our manager of more than six years, who decided at the end of 2023 to terminate her contract. During Linda’s term, the membership has significantly grown, and RMSC has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Together, we have organized numerous successful events. To show our appreciation we’ve rewarded Linda with a well-deserved honorary membership of the RMSC. Linda also was presented with the Rotterdam skyline-bowl, and flowers.
Rosalie de Paepe has been appointed by the board as Linda’s successor. During the remainder of the assembly, the board explained that the role of manager that Linda served in, would now be divided between Rosalie and Rotterdam Sport Promotion. In this way, the growing number of members and activities will also be manageable in the future.
Looking ahead with the Port of Rotterdam
In addition, strategy and plans for the upcoming period were discussed with the assembly, as were ideas for future activities. After a round of input from the different sectors of the community, the General Assembly was closed, and the floor was given to Richard van der Eijk Director of Communications & External Affairs of the Port of Rotterdam, and also a member of the RMSC Advisory Board.
Richard explained how the room we where in, also was the location where the Port of Rotterdam presented its annual figures a week prior. He then gave an interesting overview of the facts and figures of the port in 2023, and news concerning the Port of Rotterdam. The appointment of Boudewijn Siemons as the successor of Allard Castelein was mentioned, and the investments by the Port Authority and (new) companies in the port and its surroundings were discussed.
Some highlights are the expanding of terminals on Maasvlakte II, the widening of the Yangtzekanaal and different projects concerning the sustainability of the port – from shore power to carbon storage (Porthos). Richard concluded his presentation with an update on the latest news on Portlantis – the new port exhibition center, and with that the attendees were invited for a reception, which was well attended with stunning views over the river. Our thanks go to the Port of Rotterdam, for hosting us.
