TOS TIMESpage 8
page 10
page 24
The next generation
A matter of trust
A life of learning
2 | TOS Times TOS Times | 3
‘Quality and Resourcefulness. These have been the
core values of our company since the very beginning
of TOS, already over 25 years ago. Although, on behalf
of the new generation, I feel it is my responsibility to
navigate TOS into a safe and healthy future, these key
values remain intact. Growth in itself is not one of our
goals, but a consequence of our commitment to
quality, exclusive and long-term client relationships,
and our focus on niche markets. Together with our
clients, we are working on making their operations
even more professional and efficient. From offshore
wind to towing services, and from ship delivery to
inland shipping. Anywhere in the world and in any
market, you can count on the same service and
quality from TOS. In this magazine, we are pleased
to share with you how we realise this.
By delivering inspiring trainings and courses for
our employees, by taking on challenging projects,
and by quickly responding to changing laws and
regulations. We talked to colleagues who share with
us their passion for their work and asked clients for
their honest opinion about our services. We find it
important to let those stories speak for themselves.
We’re incredibly proud of our team and equally proud
of our clients. After all, TOS is and continues to be a
people business!’
Ivan Wagenaar
Commercial Director
It’s a people business
4 | Elephants, crocodiles and the port of Rotterdam
6 | A puzzle of vessels and people ...
8 | The next generation is eager to get started.
10 | A matter of trust ...
13 | The ocean cleanup
14 | Pioneering and adventurous!
16 | TOS was here ...
18 | Our neighbours in Rotterdam
20 | Port of the future
22 | 24/7 full service crew management services
24 | A life of learning
26 | What you need to know about GDPR
Long-term relationships are sacred at Damen. Not
only with clients, but also with personnel and
contracted parties. So, it makes perfect sense that
Damen Shipyards and TOS have worked together for
as long as Damen Chief Operations Officer Jan-Wim
Dekker can remember...
Their roots are firmly planted in Rotterdam. But in late
2015, Kotug set foot on the Asian market by opening
an office in Malaysia: Kotug Asia. The innovative
towage company called upon TOS Jakarta to supply
and manage the crew for the initial tug boats the
company operates...
Boskalis is involved in the construction of various
offshore wind farms throughout Europe and, in
the future, far beyond that, as well is the expectation.
The Boskalis business unit Subsea Cables & Flexibles –
formerly VBMS – carries out the installation and repair
of infield and export cables...
The ‘smartest port’ in the world. If it were up to
Rotterdam, our port would conquer this title in no
time. More and more vessels can be navigated from
a great distance. And a port with only self-driving
(autonomous) vessels is not inconceivable for the
near future...
14 Pioneering and adventurous!
22 24/7 full service crew management
06 A puzzle of vessels and people...
20 Port of the future
4 | TOS Times TOS Times | 5
Two decades
As captain, John works two weeks on and two weeks off on ‘his’
tugboat in the Port of Rotterdam. ‘I’m telling you, this one is in
a league of its own!’, he says with a big smile. ‘8000 hp. And you
need that power, too, to guide those great big sea vessels from
the mouth of the port to their berth.’ John has been working for
FAIRPLAY TOWAGE for 20 years already and has stood at
the helm of many vessels. A lot has changed in the past two
decades. ‘We now also do offshore work and sail much more
often.’
‘Just call!’
When he thinks back to the past, he gets a twinkle in his eyes.
‘I’m 62 by now and very satisfied with the work that I’m doing.
But sometimes you drift off, daydreaming. Especially about
Gabon, where I went twice for a couple of months for TOS.
That was really something. Elephants on the beach, monkeys
on board, a crocodile on the ramp… And then it was also a
wonderful, challenging project… If TOS ever has another job
like that one, they can just give me a call!’
‘Well, it certainly doesn’t feel like hanging in there’,
John exclaims, laughing. ‘I just never had the urge to
look else where. At TOS, everything was and is always
well organised. I enjoy the contact with the team in
the office. People actually listen to what you have
to say here, and the work is challenging. What more
could you ask for?’
Teamwork
John is a man who never gets a bad review for his
work. He’s just not built that way. ‘Certainly, crewing
agencies earlier on didn’t have a very good
reputation. We had to prove the opposite. That is why
I made absolutely sure that clients wouldn’t have a
negative word to say about my work. I always went
the extra mile. And I still do that today.’ The state
of the shiny tug, FAIRPLAY XI underlines this drive.
Everything looks great, in the FAIRPLAY TOWAGE club
colours, tidy, clean and perfectly maintained. ‘It’s your
home, so you simply make sure to take good care of
it. And you don’t do it alone, of course. The other TOS
boys here on board have the same mentality. We are
a real team with everyone in charge of certain tasks.
The housekeeping is part of the chores to be done.’
Just ask him about his guitar and he’ll play you a
few chords. And how did he spend his holiday?
He will proudly tell you about his sailing boat. It’s
easy to feel enthusiastic when speaking to Kees
Wagenaar. He’s about to turn 65 next year, yet
he’s still bursting with energy. However, he has
begun to withdraw slowly from the operational
side of things. ‘The relationships from the first
hour will ultimately be joining him in retirement.
So, it is a logical moment for me to take a step
back. I’m happy to make way for the new
generation.’ Right now, the Managing Director
is still involved at TOS five days a week. With
a wink, he explains: ‘Only when I’m not on
vacation, of course!’ Kees is ‘super-duper curious’
and keeps track of everything there is to
know about sustainability and technological
innovation. He likes to look ahead to the future.
‘In order to continue to add value at TOS, we
need to keep developing and evolving ourselves.
I like to contribute to that process. Personally,
I also believe we all have a role to play in
supporting sustainability and technological
innovation. We owe it to future generations…’
Kees Wagenaar
Managing Director
What the future holds for Kees… ELEPHANTS,
CROCODILES AND THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM…He has no regrets. In 1993, after having worked for
years with companies such as Nedlloyd and Smit,
John Venis walked into the office of the young
company of Kees Wagenaar and Joop Keesmaat
(business partner at the time). And he never left.
What has he done over the years? And how has he
managed to ‘hang in there’ at TOS for 25 years?
‘I ALWAYS WENT THE EXTRA MILE. AND
I STILL DO THAT TODAY.’
John Venis
Captain
6 | TOS Times TOS Times | 7
The Ndurance, Ndeavor and Spirit. The three Cable Laying
Vessels (CLVs) are the main assets in the offshore projects of
Boskalis Subsea Cables & Flexibles. They have a turntable
capacity from 2,000 to about 5,000 tonnes of cable and are
built specifically to operate both offshore and nearshore.
Manager Vessels & Crewing, Remco van Bochove, and his team
are responsible for project crewing and the management,
chartering and deployment of vessels. ‘And we’re not only
talking about CLVs, but also the support vessels like Walk-to-
Work (W2W), Anchor Handling Tugs (AHTs), Crew Transfer
Vessels (CTVs), transport barges and accommodation vessels.’
Modular conversion
The Vessel Management department of Boskalis Subsea
Cables & Flexibles deploys vessels from Boskalis’ Central
Fleet Management Department Offshore for the various
projects and in some cases from external parties. It is Vessel
Management’s job to select the vessels, like the Spirit, best for
project. ‘We, of course, prefer to choose for assets that are best
suited for the job. However, sometimes multiple projects are
running simultaneously, or a client requests a particular vessel
because of its track record. In this case it may be necessary to
modify a vessel’, explains Remco. ‘We always attempt to do
this in a modular fashion so that we can complete the
conversion quickly and efficiently. This is also because we
don’t only take one specific project into account, but also
future projects.’ Modifications are always the result of
thorough consultation between Projects, Operations,
Engineering, Vessel Management and Central Fleet
Management. During a scheduled docking, Central Fleet
Management can then carry out the adjustments directly.
‘Although our business unit does take care of the deck
layout and engineering.’
Better and better
Improving, innovating, increasing safety and efficiency in how
we work. The spearheads of the business unit’s improvement
programme ‘We Connect’ hang on the wall in every office as a
mantra throughout the organisation. ‘It’s in our DNA, but also
it is an absolute necessity’, Remco clarifies. ‘The operation has
a tremendous impact on our company. Operational excellence
is a top priority. If we drop the ball on a project, we might not
participate again next time. That is why we always hold a lessons learned meeting with everyone after
a project. How can we do things more efficiently – faster and safer – tomorrow with the knowledge
we have today and yesterday?’ Process improvement and innovation are on the agenda daily. This is
partially also because the market is constantly developing, and no two projects are alike. For example,
the boat landings of the wind turbines are different every time. ‘We are continuously modifying our
assets accordingly. We also do this for safety reasons. With new Crew Transfer Vessels and Walk-to-Work
Vessels, we put people right on top of the monopile. That saves the risk involved with stepping onto a
ladder and intensive climbing.’
No outsiders
Preparing projects that will only begin in a few years is always a challenge. The market is still very much
in the growth phase, and the legislation and regulations are maturing along with it. For example, what
requirements will our people and equipment need to meet in 2021?’, Remco wonders. ‘Will we need other
assets? There is a lot that you can prepare, but there is always a degree of uncertainty.’ An even bigger
challenge perhaps is recruitment, deployment and retention of people with the right competences,
qualifications and certification. ‘This changing market benefits from a stable organisation without too
many changes and fluctuations. We are therefore committed to the retention of people. Whether it
concerns our own people or hired crew.’ The magic word here is trust. We treat all people as our own.
‘We make sure that nobody feels like an outsider by treating the entire crew as equals. We expect
commitment, enthusiasm and drive from everyone, so they can also expect that from Boskalis. That is
why we are pleased with a partner like TOS, who shares the same philosophy. It creates a good synergy!’
A PUZZLE OF VESSELS AND PEOPLE…Boskalis is involved in the construction of various offshore wind farms throughout Europe and, in the future, far beyond
that, as well is the expectation. The Boskalis business unit Subsea Cables & Flexibles – formerly VBMS – carries out the
installation and repair of infield and export cables. These are challenging projects, often logistic puzzles and a complex
interplay of vessels, equipment and maritime professionals. Achieving operational excellence in this developing market
is not only a motivation for Boskalis, but also their greatest challenge.
Remco van Bochove
Manager Vessels & Crewing at Boskalis
8 | TOS Times TOS Times | 9
‘THE NEXT GENERATION IS EAGER TO GET STARTED.’
What is Work2Learn?
‘Four days working and one day a week at school, also known
as a work-based learning pathway. Students who register for
these senior secondary vocational programmes are only
accepted once they have found a placement where they
can work and learn. This proves to be quite difficult in
practice. That’s where TOS comes in: we bring these
enthusiastic students and work placement companies in
contact with one another.
What is your role within TOS and what is your background?
‘I’m no stranger to the Port of Rotterdam and the maritime
sector. I worked for over four years in a commercial position
at Stemat and am now Business Manager at TOS. My goal?
Providing our service to new clients, improving our service for
existing TOS clients, and offering as many young students as
possible a bright future in this wonderful harbour city. I do this
together with an enthusiastic team of three consultants and
a back-office employee. The consultants guide the students
throughout their placement, both during their education
programme and on the work floor. They are the point of
contact for the students and the work placement company.’
What was the reason for starting this new service within
TOS?
‘In October 2017, MHR became a part of TOS. This was a
conscious step towards further growth in the harbour and
logistics sector. Besides maritime professionals, we can also
help our clients to get in touch with ‘promising young talent’.
Young employees with a practical, technical education.
Additionally, we want teachers in maritime and logistics to
know that their students can come to us for a great career.
They can build their entire career via TOS. And our clients
can also count on TOS for all their personnel needs!’
Where do you see the synergy for TOS and its clients?
‘Our clients often do much more than the services for
which we provide personnel. Now, we are able to fill
entry-level jobs, for example, and a number of logistics
and onshore positions. And it works the other way around,
too. For students who have finished their studies, we can
provide guidance in finding a maritime position. We are
always looking for all kinds of personnel, such as riggers.
Our pool is constantly growing. This is the way for our
clients to find skilled, motivated people. We’ve found that
students who enjoyed their work-based learning pathway
often work for a longer period at their work placement
company after their studies. So, investing in their
education means investing in your company.
Last, but not least, subsidies are available.’
What areas do you expect to be challenging? For you
personally and for Work2Learn?
‘In the Port of Rotterdam, we’re experiencing a shortage of
people. There is plenty of work, but not enough people are
choosing for a practical and technical education. Soon, an
entire generation of the workforce will retire. So,
this means there is a tremendous opportunity for us.
Graduates can be the start of a new flow of personnel.
Young people who are able and willing to work hard. By
sharing with them the fun experience of working in the
port, we can grow together. And my personal challenge?
Creating a clear identity for Work2Learn. Becoming more
widely known and growing in market share. Making sure
that TOS is the first call in the search for good students
and graduates from the work-based learning pathway,
without losing sight of the human factor and personal
touch.’
The learning and coaching programme ‘Standing Strong
Together for the Future of Rotterdam-Zuid’.
‘The project offers a learning pathway for thirty young
people that have become estranged from education and
the labour market. As a Rotterdam family business, we
consider it our moral duty to provide them with a helping
hand. TOS guides these youth in finding placements in
the port, because each of them are potentially valuable
employees. In a ten-week training, the STC prepare them
for a future in the port. And it’s paying off. It’s nice to be
making a contribution!’
Good knowledge of the market, a generous smile and an enthusiastic story is what she brings to her network and new
relationships. Her focus: to find learning and work placements for ‘her’ youth. Her ambition: establishing TOS as the
intermediary between senior secondary vocational students and training companies in the Port of Rotterdam. Business
Manager Work2Learn at TOS Giuseppina – ‘Pien’ – Donnina tells us about the Work2Learn philosophy, the challenges of
working in the port and logistics sector and the synergy with other TOS services.
‘After an introductory traineeship in
high school at EMO, I was convinced:
the port is where I want to be! So, a
work-based training programme at
STC was a logical choice. You gain
work experience and get to know
companies in the harbour. TOS
arranged my placement with ADM
Europoort: a company that is a great
fit for me and vice versa!’
Lorin Vintu
work-based training programme, Coordinator Port Operations level 4 STC
Giuseppina Donnina (on the right)
10 | TOS Times
The decor: a charming, historic and classic restaurant along
the Maas. Those present three stylish, cheerful women. While
they certainly also discuss business, there is plenty of room
for personal questions and interests. The relaxed atmosphere
and the friendly interaction is a sign of partnership and trust.
Sophie: ‘The contact between TOS and Sodexo goes back
quite some time’. We have been working together for about
three years now. And it’s going well!’
‘Puzzle’
In the beginning, Sophie was mostly in touch with Marleen
concerning the needs of Sodexo. ‘The HR policy for Sodexo
Offshore & Marine focuses on providing the best labour
solutions for our clients, explains Sophie. ‘Marleen and I
discussed the solutions that TOS could deliver to meet our
needs for personnel. Marleen then spoke about this internally
with Marlena because we are subject to international law and
regulations.’ She continues with a wink: ‘And, eventually, I got
a direct ‘hotline’ to Marlena for these matters’. Marlena chimes
in: ‘Sodexo doesn’t have any standard situations. Every new
project is different. They need people for rigs, for example,
but also for vessels that travel to all kinds of European waters.
Then it is especially important to know under which flag they
sail in order to find out which law and regulations apply. Every
time again it is a challenging puzzle, Marleen adds: ‘Together,
we look for the best solution that not only is legally sound,
but that is competitive, too. This can lead to some differences
of opinion internally. But we are very transparent with each
other and towards the client. We understand the market and
know the kinds of challenges Sodexo is up against. That is why
we are always able to work things out. After all, we share the
same goal: helping the client well and according to the rules.
It is a real joint effort from Sophie, Marlena and me!’
Keeping things interesting
The biggest challenge for Sodexo, according to Sophie, is
finding and retaining personnel: ‘We ask quite a lot of our
people. You spend a lot of time away from home, working
together with all these different nationalities. The group
dynamics are very important. Especially because we want to
deliver an outstanding service. Additionally, you have to be
flexible, and able to change gears quickly.’ Finding people that
match this profile is already quite a challenge, keeping them
interested even more so. Certainly, now that the market is on
the rise and they can ‘shop around’, TOS is experiencing the
same. Marleen explains: ‘It goes without saying that we select
candidates that are a good fit with our clients. But we also
arrange for the right training and proper paperwork for our
people. We invest a lot in training and certification, so it is a
shame when people only stay in their role for a short time. We
try to build a relationship through strong personal contact
and training opportunities.’ Sodexo considers all people
as their own employees, the training curriculum
and development possibilities are also available for
contingent workforce in order to stay the preferred
employer and retain our employees.
Sodexo has...
Sodexo has 427,000 colleagues around the
world, serving more than 100 million consumers
per day with the objective to improve their
Quality of Life. All Sodexo employees
participate in an engagement survey once
every two years. ‘We use the feedback to set up
concrete action plans to continuously improve
their Quality of Life at work’, adds Sophie.
A MATTER OF TRUST...
INTRODUCING
Sophie Broers
HR Manager Offshore & Marine Netherlands at Sodexo
Energy & Resources
As HR Manager, Sophie is responsible for the HR policy
at Sodexo Offshore & Marine Netherlands, with all of
the aspects that go along with that: recruitment,
compensation, evaluation, absenteeism and training.
Making sure her people are always well-trained and
motivated is one of her many tasks. What does she like
most about her work? The diversity of it. ‘No two days
are alike, no two projects the same. That takes a lot of
hard work, but it is also tremendously satisfying every
time we come up with a good solution together!’
A good conversation is the driving force behind a strong collaboration. Transparent communication is what keeps things
running smoothly through change and challenges. Sodexo and TOS know this like no other. They discuss their collaboration
on a regular basis. How is TOS contributing to the service offered by Sodexo? And which expertise does TOS have in house
that Sodexo needs most? In a round-table discussion, Sophie Broers from Sodexo and Marleen Stuurman and Marlena
Holdermans from TOS share their views on this partnership.
‘TOGETHER, WE LOOK FOR THE BEST SOLUTION THAT
NOT ONLY IS LEGALLY SOUND, BUT THAT IS
COMPETITIVE, TOO.’
TOS Times | 11
12 | TOS Times TOS Times | 13
‘The balance’
Although all three women work primarily with men, none
of them experience this as a bad thing. ‘It has never held me
back in my work’, says Marlena. Sophie, on the other hand,
is very aware that she is working in a predominantly male
industry. ‘Within Sodexo, Diversity & Inclusion is an important
commitment. For offshore when it comes to gender balance,
there is a lot of ground still to cover. So, we focus more of our
efforts in that area. After all, women are very welcome when it
comes to improving group dynamics.’ It’s up to TOS to inspire
women and support them in building a career in the maritime
and offshore industry. ‘We recently deployed two women for
an offshore project at Sodexo. But that could be many more’,
tells Marleen. It’s often for positions in cleaning or catering,
but Sodexo stimulates the development of these women so
they have the opportunity to grow within the company. ‘For
example, one of our camp bosses is a woman managing the
larger sites’, explains Sophie. ‘So, it’s possible!’ The three
women are themselves testimony to this: building a great
career in a man’s world. Perhaps that is also the reason behind
their strong collaboration and personal click. ‘We are taking
on more and more projects together’, admits Marleen. ‘We
often have the same clients and can therefore work together
more often’, Sophie explains further. Our collaboration is
starting to look more and more like a steady partnership.’
She smiles: ‘A good development, if you ask me!’
SODEXO: QUALITY OF LIFE…Sodexo is world leader in ‘Quality of Life Services’. With
more than one hundred services, like catering, cleaning,
maintenance and laundry, it contributes to the Quality of
Life of the people it serves. Both close to home and faraway,
isolated destinations like those where the Offshore &
Marine division operates. The people of Sodexo are the first
point of contact and ensure that the offshore and maritime
personnel are as comfortable as possible despite being so
far from home. TOS contributes to this by recruiting and
deploying good people for Sodexo.
‘We are poisoning our earth and ourselves.’ Captain George
Zwart was born in 1956 and has sailed for many decades. So,
the onset of this plastic soup is something he witnessed
first-hand. ‘We are located just above the northern edge of all
the plastic’, he explains. ‘In Northern Europe you still see small
boats fishing the plastic out of the harbour and rivers. But the
further south you go… I once sailed along the French coast
through a thick stream of plastic that was flowing straight out
of a river. Really crazy! So, being able to make a contribution to
the pilot felt really good!’
‘Too smooth’
The Marilyn M was selected for the pilot: a multicat from GSS
Marine Services B.V. from Maassluis. George worked together
with two other guys via TOS: an Able Seaman and a Chief
Engineer. The goal of the pilot is to test the sustainability
of the system. In practice, the installation’s arms will be
stretched out on the ocean and will have to withstand heavy
weather conditions. The pilot, located fifteen miles west of
Scheveningen, consisted of different phases. ‘On the first day,
we conducted a towing test. The sail was fastened behind the
ship and weighted to keep it hanging down. While sailing,
there are all kinds of forces coming from different directions.
Our speed was faster than initially intended in order to
simulate bad weather. The sea was just too smooth!’
The big question
On the second day, the system was installed on the previously
positioned anchors. Boskalis had set out buoys earlier to mark
the anchors’ locations. ‘We fixed the cylinders with sails to the
buoys with rope. We worked closely together with the people
of The Ocean Cleanup. Sympathetic and smart people who
definitely know what they’re doing.’ However, George is left
wondering if it will make a difference. ‘I hope that it proves to
be a solution in some shape or form. For now, we are fighting
a losing battle because there is so much plastic being
dumped into the sea. But if we’re going to address that issue
as well, I have full confidence that they will be successful with
this system. For a healthy future for my grandchildren!’
THE OCEAN CLEANUP‘A HEALTHY FUTURE FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN’
There is enough plastic in the world’s oceans to cover entire continents. Every year, the oceans collect another eight billion
kilos. In 2012, Delft student Boyan Slat decided to do something about this problem. He designed an installation with long
floating arms that gather and hold on to plastic until a ship comes to pick it up. More than five years later, The Ocean Cleanup
is now ready to be tested. Captain George Zwart contributed to a pilot along the coast of the Netherlands.
Marleen Stuurman
Operations Director
Marleen is responsible for the operational activities
concerning HR and crewing. She has been with TOS
since the very beginning, so she knows our services and
clients like no other. With her years of experience and
background in HR, she is an indispensable sparring
partner for colleagues and clients.
Marlena Holdermans MSc LLM
Compliance Director
Marlena is responsible for the quality, tax and legal
implications of our projects. Educated in both Business
Administration and Commercial Law, she is always able
to come up with the right solution for often challenging
problems that our clients are facing.
14 | TOS Times TOS Times | 15
How did you first come into contact with TOS?
‘I began at Damen in 1994 in the Customer Finance
department. Cees Moolenburgh was the Financial Director
at the time and his assistant, Trudy, is the partner of Kees
Wagenaar. So, I have known Kees from the moment I began
working here. And I knew Joop Keesmaat, Kees’ business
partner at the time, from before 1994 even. Both men are real
go-getters who know the maritime world and Damen very
well. When they founded TOS in 1992, a collaboration was a
logical step. The partnership with TOS has simply always been
there.’
What is ‘The Damen Standard’ and how does the TOS service
measure up to this?
‘Damen has been growing since the acquisition by Kommer
Damen in 1969 and his decision to build stock vessels. The
central theme in this development: deliver quality and deliver
on time. That is The Damen Standard. The client always comes
first. Damen has traditionally always set out into the world.
We go looking for new challenges and don’t shy away from
unexpected circumstances. That pioneering and adventurous
spirit lives at TOS, too. Perhaps it’s typical for Rotterdam or
simply part of our maritime identity. Either way, the bottom
line is that our companies and our philosophies are a good match. TOS always provides a committed
crew with the right paperwork. They know exactly how we want things done and strive for the same
level of quality by delivering our ships spick and span. They did this 25 years ago and they still do it
today.’
How is Damen preparing for the future?
‘Pioneering and discovering new markets is something we continue to do. We are always trying to
come up with new product-market combinations. As long as it meets the wishes of our client and we
can deliver the level of quality the market expects of us. For example, we look at the (for our company)
slightly larger offshore projects and submarines. And when you think about the future, you also
automatically think about sustainability, of course. Such as scrubbers that clean the exhaust gases
from our engines. But also, ballast water treatment. And while the law and regulations sometimes
lag behind, we are already investing in these techniques. When it comes to sustainability, we like to
march at the front. Besides, you cannot look to the future without focusing on technological
innovation.’
Can you give some examples of technological developments?
‘With the RSD Tug 2513, for example, we have a revolutionary innovation on our hands. The vessel
has two bows, so you can always operate bow first. Additionally, the vessel has a remote monitoring
system. On shore, we can read all of the vessel’s data. We can see if it is in operation, read the
temperature of the equipment, the pressure, speed, etcetera. Using this data, we are better able to
plan ahead for maintenance and predict wear and tear. This has a tremendous impact on efficiency
and costs. Also, we are using more and more digitisation and robotisation in the building of our ships.’
What opportunities do you see for the collaboration with TOS?
‘Kees is a free spirit with a wide range of interests. He has a good understanding of the business we are
in so I’m positive that he himself sees plenty of opportunities for TOS. But given the parallels between
our companies when it comes to quality, experience and commitment, I certainly see us partnering
up even more often in the future. For
example, in countries where maritime
development is still in its early stages,
where together we can really make a
difference.
What are you most proud of?
‘Of the fact that we have stood our
ground in a very competitive market.
We are grateful to our people who have
made this possible by serving clients
around the world. Clients who have faith
in our service and keep coming back
to us. Once again, the long-term
relationship… that’s what it’s all about!’
PIONEERING AND ADVENTUROUS!
Long-term relationships are sacred at Damen. Not only with clients, but also with personnel and contracted parties. So, it
makes perfect sense that Damen Shipyards and TOS have worked together for as long as Damen Chief Operations Officer
Jan-Wim Dekker can remember. We found out about his first memories of TOS, how Damen has developed over the years
and how the collaboration with TOS has evolved along the way.
Jan-Wim Dekker
Chief Operations Officer
at Damen Shipyards
16 | TOS Times TOS Times | 17
POLANDLOCATION GDYNIA
Gdynia Maritime University is the largest state school of higher maritime education in Poland and one of the largest in Europe.
TRAVEL DESK
Myrthe Soetens runs our in-house travel
desk. The airline software, ATPI, enables
her to book all kinds of airline tickets.
Other services include hotel, car rental,
taxi and visas.
INDONESIALOCATION JAKARTA
There are many developments in the region and the demand for Indonesian seafarers is increasing.
CYPRUSLOCATION LIMASSOLFor several global projects TOS provides a Cyprus payroll and administration.
UKRAINELOCATION ODESSA
TOS UKRAINE – 10 YEARS!
We’re proud! Business is going well, thanks to our great seafarers!
TOS was here...
HQ ROTTERDAM
Great view at Waalhaven port
BOSKALIS BEACH CLEANUP TOUR 2018
CABLE LAYING PROJECTSLocation: European waters
Kwade Hoek is clean again! In total
six TOS colleagues participated to
collect marine litter (litter in the sea)
and plastic debris.
The TOS project teams are involved in cable laying
activities in the waters of the North Sea. Our Riggers,
Foreman, Operators and Superintendents are assisting
the laying of infield and export cables and their repair
on more than 20 wind farms.
CZECH REPUBLICLOCATION DĚČÍN
Děčín is located in northwestern Bohemia at the confluence of the rivers Elbe and Ploučnice. Decín also has its own inland shipping college, with which TOS maintains close ties.
DOUBLE TOW SHIP DELIVERYFrom: Lagos, Nigera
Destination: Astakos, Greece
The Afrik Magpie is towing
the Afrik Eagle & Afrik Eider.
Great performance by our ship
delivery crew and especially
Captain Jan!
18 | TOS Times TOS Times | 19
What project is a good example of your services and core
values and makes you proud?
‘Honestly, we’re proud of all the projects we do. Of course there
are the large, ten-year contracts for major oil companies. But
for me personally, the projects in more extreme countries are
the most special. For example, we started operations in Liberia
in 2010. The country had just been through a war and was still
licking its wounds. Nevertheless, we went over there and started
work in the port of Monrovia and the port of Buchanan. It’s eight
years later now and we’re still there and we’re still profitable. We
localised part of the crew and people are happy. We have good
relationships with our clients and the government. And we just
signed a five-year extension on one of our contracts. In short,
we’re still going strong over there and that’s something I’m
proud of.’
In what way do our services help you be successful?
‘Smit Lamnalco is specialised mainly in terminal towage. We
work for oil majors all across the globe assisting tankers during
berthing and unberthing or on an export or import buoy.
However, we’re not specialised in sailing our vessels half-way
across the world. Of course our people are used to working
offshore or off the coast, but sailing from one continent to
another requires a different skill set. That’s where TOS comes
in. They have the specialists in terms of sailing and seamanship.
What’s more, they are masters at sailing ships in the most
economic way possible: finding the exact right balance
between speed and burning fuel.’
How has the collaboration been with TOS? How would you
characterise it?
‘The collaboration has been excellent. What stands out is TOS’
flexibility. Sometimes a change of plans is unavoidable or
unforeseen circumstances come up. TOS doesn’t seem to skip
a beat whenever that happens. Taking care of the unexpected
seems like business as usual for them. What’s also important for
us is that TOS has professionals available to perform the tougher
tasks. A good example is a recent delivery, where a tug towed
two smaller tugs on two separate lines from Nigeria all the way
to Greece. A complicated job, but all problems were taken care
of. The captain came by our office the other day to debrief. He
shared his experiences and advice, which is a valuable way for
us to keep learning. It’s typical for the openness and honesty of
our relationship. All in all, I’d say we’re good neighbours.’
OUR NEIGHBOURS IN ROTTERDAM
We have been working together for over a decade. A few doors down from our office in Rotterdam is the office of Smit
Lamnalco. The company provides marine support all across the world in the most challenging environments. We speak
with Peter Koster, Marine Manager Africa.
Could you introduce yourself for our readers? How did you
end up working at Smit Lamnalco?
‘When I was nineteen years old I applied for a job at Smit. That
was in December 1972. I started the following month and have
worked for the company ever since. In those 46 years, I’ve held
many different positions and I’ve lived all over the world.
The most memorable period was definitely my time in the
Bahamas, where we set up an office in 1997. I was the only
expatriate, though I felt like a national too after a while. My office
consisted of not much more than a laptop, which was cutting-
edge technology back then, so much of my work was done on
my lap. I’m still very proud of what we accomplished together
over the eleven years I worked there.’
Every market and region has its specific challenges and
particularities. What are the main challenges for Smit
Lamnalco?
‘Over the last decade or so, the worldwide recession has been
the biggest challenge. It was slow to hit us, because we tend to
work with long-term contracts up to ten years. But gradually, we
noticed the effects. Prices in the oil and gas industry were under
pressure and as a result ours were too. For quite a while, there
weren’t too many developments and the new work that came in
was limited as well. Economies across the world are doing better
now, but just like the recession, the economic uptick has been
slower to reach our market. There is a clear upward trend though
and we are optimistic about where things are headed.’Operation in Liberia
‘WE ARE OPTIMISTIC
ABOUT WHERE THINGS ARE
HEADED’
PORT OF THE FUTURE
Perth (AUS)
Rotterdam (NL)
20 | TOS Times
The ‘smartest port’ in the world. If it were up to Rotterdam, our port would
conquer this title in no time. More and more vessels can be navigated from a
great distance. And a port with only self-driving (autonomous) vessels is not
inconceivable for the near future. An Internet of Things platform is currently
preparing the 42-kilometres of port for autonomous shipping and making
the Port of Rotterdam more competitive. In addition, this initiative makes an
important contribution to the sustainable development, the management
and the operation of the port. Below is an overview of the smart sensors
and the technology of the port of the future.
Internet of Things platform
(cloud-based)
Sensors in mooring posts,
waterways and quay walls
Cyber securityRealtime information concerning, for
example, current, windspeed, water
level, and visibility is combined with
data collected by sensors on ships, in
quay walls, waterways and mooring
posts to minimise congestion in the
port and optimise the time needed for
mooring, loading and departure. The
primary focus of this technology for
the Port of Rotterdam is performance
and safety.
DPS (Dynamic Positioning System)
Sensors
Satellite communication
Mobile communication via 3G and 4G
Lidar laser scanning
Cameras and night-vision cameras
Remote control room
Unmanned bridge
Operational data
SHIPS
PORT
CLOUD PLATFORM
22 | TOS Times TOS Times | 23
For example, when we need a flight booked,
we simply email TOS a date and they will do the
homework, finding the best price around that date,
taking into account any local festivities or holidays and
making sure all documents are in order. More generally,
I like the way we communicate with each other. We are
able to discuss anything with TOS and are always able to
reach a consensus. I appreciate their advice and feel they
are committed to finding the best solution for us.’
Eric Cheah Ban Li
General Manager Operations
24/7 FULL SERVICE CREW MANAGEMENT SERVICESTheir roots are firmly planted in Rotterdam. But in late 2015, Kotug set foot on the Asian market by opening an
office in Malaysia: Kotug Asia. The innovative towage company called upon TOS Jakarta to supply and manage
the crew for the initial tug boats the company operates. Eric Cheah shares his thoughts on the Asian market,
the challenges of dealing with different cultures and languages and his experience of working with TOS.
What has it been like to open the new office?
‘It has been a growth period for me personally. I have
a maritime background, meaning I had experience
piloting vessels and berthing and unberthing with tugs,
but not managing them. We’ve worked hard to achieve
industry best practices, develop a cost-efficient structure
and learn from and implement the quality standards
that our mother company has established worldwide. It
has been very helpful to work with a partner that takes
equal concern in how the crew is taken care of. I’ve found
that the people at TOS Jakarta really listen to our ideas
and challenges and help us figure out the best course
of action. For example, when we just started out the
exchange rate for the Malaysian Ringgit shifted
dramatically. TOS’s advice and support was invaluable
in dealing with that obstacle.’
Every market and region has its own challenges and
particularities. What are some of the challenges Kotug
Asia deals with?
‘Language is a big item: we work with people speaking
Malaysian Malay, Indonesian Malay, Dutch and English.
It can be tricky to tune into the different pronunciations
and styles of grammar from different cultures. Initially, it
could be difficult to understand everyone and get your
message across. There are also cultural differences.
Asians tend to be more reserved than Europeans,
causing a delay in the feedback to senior
management and the parent company..’
What are your expectations of how the Asian
market will develop?
‘The Asian market is notoriously difficult to predict. It is
constantly growing, causing a changed market outlook
every few years. That said, I expect that the current tugs
in Malaysia will need an upgrade in response to the
growth of the container and liquid bulk sector. We are
located in the middle of the passage between China
and Europe and I expect part of the transition to spill
over from Singapore. Most tugs in Malaysian ports and
terminals have a bollard pull of 45 tonnes. Kotug Asia
started out with a bollard pull of 65 tonnes and we are
working with our clients to see if they would like to have
the tonnage increased. The Asian towage industry might
also find a niche in the oil and gas sector. With the oil
prices no longer being what they once were, we might
see a move from oil rigs with pipelines to floating storage
units offshore (FSUs). Such a development would create
a demand for harbour or towage services to berth ships
at the FSUs.
What has your experience in working with TOS been
like?
Having a lean setup in Asia, TOS Jakarta is our 24/7 full
service crew management services team. Instead of
just providing the crew and merely responding to our
requests, they take a much more proactive role. They
arrange contracts, certifications, documentation, salaries,
flights, ferry tickets, assessments…
‘THE ASIAN MARKET IS
CONSTANTLY GROWING
AND DIFFICULT TO PREDICT’
24 | TOS Times TOS Times | 25
At TOS and Seafox, we use an online platform called
Traqqr to keep our documents organised. If something has
expired, it is directly visible (gets flagged) in the system. This
platform really is a must for us with the number of certificates
we have on file and given their validity period of only two
years. Also, sometimes, new clients require new certification:
a life of learning
‘I would like to develop my skills to become Project Manager
or Project Coordinator in my current field of occupation. By
the way, everything was well organised at my last course.’
‘In the future, I see myself working as Supervisor Engineer.
A nice job that I would like to work towards. I will handle any
problems and challenges I come across along the way with
the right education, training or course. That is what a life of
learning means to me. With a bit of patience and common
sense, there is no challenge too big.
‘WE GET THE JOB DONE!’
‘I work as Deckhand at Seafox and the next step in my career
is Offshore Crane Operator. In preparation of this step, I am
currently taking a 5-day course at the SOMA College in
Harderwijk. After the course comes the practical part. I will
work forty operating hours offshore. Both operating the crane
on deck as well as heading out to the supply boat. After that,
an examiner will come on board for my assessment. If
everything checks out, then I can begin as ‘substitute crane
operator’. So, I just have to gain as much experience as I can
until a position becomes available for fixed crane operator.’
‘Working offshore is a challenge where no two days are the
same. So, you adjust your education accordingly. Once I get
a job as crane operator, I will need to take the CAA course to
be able to work as HLO on the helideck. These days, you won’t
make it without training. Which other programmes I’d like to
do in the future? That depends entirely on which direction I
go. But I believe: you’re never too old and it’s never too late to
learn!’
‘Logistics is my kind of world! That’s why I chose an
education programme in logistics. I want to continue to grow
in this field. At logistics company GAC in Rotterdam, my work
is diverse, and it goes well with what I learn at school. There
are also many career opportunities for me here. Once I finish
my study programme, I would like to do the work-based
learning pathway (BBL) for Logistics Team Leader. Hopefully,
I can continue on at GAC. Why work-based learning? I earn
my keep and am learning at the same time. It’s perfect!’
‘Studytube, the online learning platform at our HQ, provides
micro-learning videos and online academies in various forms
and on numerous topics. The TOS Academies, presented
monthly by TOS employees, are available for all colleagues
to follow and learn from. Everyone at the HQ has received a
‘learning line’ that matches the skills and competencies
needed for their specific position. The best-performing
departments were the Back Office and the Recruiters! And,
because I finished the ‘learning line’ in the shortest period
of time, I was given the title: Master of Studytube!’
BORIS ORCIKOV
Material Coordinator (MATCO) on the Seafox 5
Last course: FOET, Further Offshore Emergency Training
MICKEY HOOGDUIN
Technical Engineer / Operator
Last course: GWO WIND
DENNIS GEUSEBROEK
Deckhand
Last course: Offshore Crane Operator
JOEY KUYP
Deckhand
Last course: Crane Operator Offshore Installations 1.2A
KAJ NIEUWLAND
Logistics Employee
Last course: Work-based Learning Pathway
GINA WEEDA
Back Office Assistant at TOS
Last course: Studytube Learning Line
A LIFE OF LEARNINGWhether we are conscious of it or not, we are all learning all of the time. Every day, for our whole lives. Courses, trainings,
learning on the job… How do our colleagues see this ‘life-long learning’?
26 | TOS Times TOS Times | 27
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT….
The same privacy legislation for all countries of the European Union (EU). Since 25 May 2018, the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) or, in Dutch, the Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (AVG) is in force. The Act regulates the
protection and privacy of individuals and has consequences for everyone who processes personal data within the EU. Even
outside of the EU, the GDPR applies when the data pertains to services offered in the EU. What are the main provisions of this
Act? Which rules are relevant for companies and what are the rights of the data subjects?
Since 25 May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) is in force. This means that the same privacy legisla-
tion applies throughout the European Union (EU). For many
companies with head offices in Europe, the GDPR requires an
adjustment in global policy.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Dutch DPA) has
announced fines of 20 million euros or 4% of annual global
revenues for a violation of the new law.
We make a distinction between regular personal data (e.g.
name and address, driving licence), special personal data
(e.g. religion, passport photo) and other personal data of a
sensitive nature (e.g. citizen service number, login details).
Data may only be requested for legitimate purposes. So, it is
primarily a matter of raising awareness. Do I really need the
‘special’ data or will ‘regular’ data suffice?
Implement data minimisation: store as little private data as
possible and work with short-term retention periods.
Medical data should not be stored and may only be
consulted by company doctors.
The data subjects always reserve the right to access their
data, to withdraw their consent and to request removal of
their data.
A data leak should be reported to the data subjects and to
the Dutch DPA.
GDPR - A BRIEF OVERVIEW
Right to access stored data.
Right to request removal of data.
Right to withdraw consent for
processing data.
Responsibility of the organisation: to take
technical and organisational measures to
protect personal data and to implement
retention periods.
Obligation to report data leaks to the
Dutch DPA + data subjects.
CHALLENGES FOR MARITIME AND CREWING SECTOR
Other priorities in the maritime sector have often prevailed over privacy. Due to the safety protocols carried out on board,
everything is transparent. Across the sector, a lot of information is recorded and shared with authorities, insurance
companies, etc. This could be (medical) information in the event of an accident on board… Fiscal regulations also
require the recording and processing of personal data, such as the IMO crew lists.
The GDPR ensures that the security of this type of personal data is guaranteed. The challenge for TOS and its clients is
to guarantee safety, while complying with all maritime regulations and, at the same time, protecting personal data.
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
This article is intended to provide information on the application of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). No rights can be derived from the
contents of this article; it is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Although this article has been drafted with the
utmost care, we cannot fully guarantee that the contents will remain at all times up-to-date and correct. More information regarding the GDPR can be
found on this website: http://bit.ly/dataprotectionEU
Gina Weeda, Back Office Assistant (left) and Sophie Bouhuys, Legal Counsel
TOS TASKFORCE
TOS works with and processes personal data on a daily basis.
This includes visas, passports, seamen’s books, citizen service
numbers, passport photos, Certificates of Competence (CoC),
training certificates… TOS aims for the highest standard of quality
in everything and compliance with the law is no exception. We
ensure the protection of data through the use of well-secured
systems and procedures that are subject to periodic audits. All
arrangements with our suppliers are set out in data processing
agreements and we keep a register of our processing activities.
Our Task Force monitors compliance with these agreements
and processes. The Task Force also serves as a support desk for
colleagues and clients.
‘HAVE YOU CLEARLY DEFINED THE RETENTION PERIODS
FOR PERSONAL DATA IN YOUR ORGANISATION?’
www.tos.nl/meet-us
A solid footprint
arises between
ebb and flood,
justifying
a thrill of the heart
a glorious sunset
occurs between
day and night,
verifying
a touch of friendship
a poetic gesture
exists between
open and closed,
clarifying
a rainbow of languages.
Living these moments in difference
we rely on changing perspectives.
Celebrating these moments in difference
we invent new stories, ocean-wide.
***
Paul Kuijpers October 2018
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