MaritiMe - N o r t h e r N
N e t h e r l a N d s -
Conoship international
industrial innovation: shipbuilding returns to the north ostseestaal
highest product quality and outstanding services eekels tBi
actively providing clients with electrical service, refit and maintenance solutions
Nr7. 2021
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foto: eekels tBi
taBle of Contents port of harlingen .................................................04
Conoship international...................................28
talsma shipyards ...................................................08
Wolfard & Wessels WerktuigBouW .........34
ostseestaal .................................................................14 ampereship...................................................................18 eekels tBi.......................................................................22
the smi groep.............................................................40 marine serviCe noord.........................................46
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Editor: Niek Donker Graphic Design: Maurice de Jong Cover: Conoship International Distribution: Controlled Circulation
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port of harlingen sustainable growth provides even more work the most modern fishing port in the netherlands, a growing energy and logistics hub, more recreational accommodation for tourists. port of harlingen facilitates and promotes sustainable employment in and around the town on the Wadden sea. director paul pot on the importance of sustainable growth.
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“T
he port of Harlingen already provides work to around 3,000 people, of whom 1,500 directly at around 170 companies in the port. The other 1,500 are employed at suppliers and service providers. We are Doeksen's home port for their ferries to Terschelling and Vlieland. We have the most modern fishing fleet and port in Europe, and it could expand to become Europe's most sustainable. We also host the largest ‘Bruine Vloot’ (tourist charter fleet) in the Netherlands. The Port of Harlingen offers a wide variety of work, which means “you don't have to go to the other side of the dyke”, as we say around here. This includes superyacht construction and shipyards, fish processing and import and export companies, storage and transhipment companies, cooling and freezing warehouses. Other companies in the port build prefab homes and supply raw materials for the construction industry, or supply salt, sand, gravel, concrete and green energy.”
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sustainable employment opportunities
more water transport
Wadden promenade gets a facelift
“As an independent port authority, Port of Harlingen focuses on increasing employment opportunities and sustainable employment. We do so by providing better facilities and infrastructure and by attracting companies with a sustainable mission. In the coming years, we will be developing sites in the port that have become vacant. The intention is to use them for sustainable industry and projects related to the energy transition. These may include companies working with offshore wind farms or dismantling old systems from oil platforms, or companies involved in the production, storage and transhipment of hydrogen, LNG and green gas. In this way, we can create more employment, and sustainable employment, within the existing port area.”
“The companies in the port are also becoming more sustainable. The fishing fleet has better ships and fishing techniques. The dredgers have cleaner engines and fuels and make use of new and innovative dredging techniques with a lower environmental impact on the Wadden Sea. In the new year, we will be actively approaching companies in our hinterland to encourage them to make greater use of water transport instead of road transport. This will increase the importance of Harlingen as the hub of the Ports of Fryslân, together with Drachten and Heerenveen. The will is there, and we have the support of the provincial government. Finding a better balance between ecology and economy in how we think and act will deliver sustainable growth and more jobs for the port of Harlingen.”
“We're also doing something very eye-catching. We have purchased the port building and restaurant and are renovating them. All our office space will soon be in one location, in the distinctive tower on the Wadden Promenade. We are exploring a new function for the former restaurant, which will focus on tourism, recreation and experience. We want to harness the appeal of the historic port town of Harlingen and the Wadden Sea. The potential and visibility of the promenade are ready for improvement, there needs to be more to attract and entertain day trip visitors. Recreational accommodation offers opportunities. Harlingen can raise its profile even more by providing good facilities. The Welkom aan Zee (Welcome at Sea) campaign is a good common starting point, and as far as I am concerned also serves as an invitation to companies with green ambitions.”
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talsMa shiPyards
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talsma: the power of versatile maritime craftsmanship talsma shipyards, with companies in franeker and groningen, is active in shipbuilding and Constructions. the company consists of five divisions: shipbuilding, superyachts, ship repairs, constructions and specials.
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talsMa shiPyards
T
alsma consists of Talsma Shipyards and Structal Metalworks in Franeker and Drydock Groningen. We toured the shipyard with founder Jelle Talsma. The yard facilitates ships of up to 80 metres. The three halls are continuously in use for multiple projects at the same time. At present, the sixteenth superyacht hull is under construction for Heesen Yachts, along with the PW 10 electric inspection ship for the province of Fryslân. The Talsma Shipbuilding division builds many different types of ships: superyacht hulls, floating homes and commercial ships such as fishing boats, suppliers and tour boats. The yard also handles refits, restorations of floating maritime heritage and conversions of (house)boats. Talsma Ship-
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yards has everything under one roof and an experienced team of more than 100 professionals.
project. We have the necessary knowledge and craftsmanship on the work floor, there where it really happens.”
focus on the project
investing in learning and working
Jelle Talsma: “Talsma is a versatile maritime company with a shipyard that follows in the finest traditions of the Dutch shipbuilding industry. The diversity and variety in our work are important to us and we have access to the craftsmanship needed to make this possible. Yes, I'm proud that we're capable of taking on all this different work. The key is to pay close attention and to focus on the
In the past, shipyards were part of life in every village. These days we are located on an industrial estate, where we are less visible to our surroundings. This means we need to do more to keep the craft alive. This is why we continue to invest in education and traineeships. This is important, because seeing what human hands can make gives a great deal of pride and satisfaction. For example,
we're currently working on our third learning/working project, the restoration of a 100-year-old “tjalk” (a type of sailing barge). This practical training prepares jobseekers and students for a job in shipbuilding or engineering. In this way, almost 100 participants have earned their welding diplomas at Talsma Shipyards and found a (new) job in recent years. We also provide a number of traineeship places to post-secondary school students every year.”
a good reputation “In the past we built 50 utility vessels for Damen, because we do
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talsMa shiPyards
‘Yes, I'm proud that we're capable of taking on all this different work. The key is to pay close attention and to focus on the project.’ our work well and aren't afraid of what is asked of us. This means we're very capable of constructing superyacht hulls; complex projects in thin sheet metal with many hours and constantly changing requirements. This demands flexibility and craftsmanship. Our name is now well known and respected in this world, which has led to other work, such as refits and maintenance.” A great example of this is the 44-metre-long motoryacht that has been refitted this year in the special refit hall. The yard modified her to meet the owner's new requirements, including new stabilisers and a swimming platform.
own ship lift Alongside numerous refits, the yard is also experienced in conversions: from sea tug to houseboat, from naval ship to luxury yacht, from freighter to cycling holiday ship and the transformation of the historic NDSM Crane 13 in Amsterdam into a luxury hotel. To allow more efficient operations, the yard built its own 1,000 tonne ship
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lift in 2019. This consists of two sections so that ships can be lifted out of the water separately if required.
grain elevator restoration How does Jelle see the coming years? “Talsma is developing well and we have become more complete. As such, I hope we can pick up a few unusual projects, such as the construction of a new eco sailing clipper. Combining the old craft of wind propulsion with new technologies such as electricity will be a challenge. In May, we will start the restoration of the last grain elevator in the Netherlands. We're very proud of our involvement in this special project. To be able to work on that would be really special. And I hope we can build another new large sailing yacht someday. That's something we'd love to do! The shape, the craftsmanship. Fantastic. We're connoisseurs and we love to build beautiful, well-made things.”
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ostseestaal
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ostseestaal – Best in 3d
highest product quality and outstanding services
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ostseestaal
O
stseestaal is the technology leader in 3D cold forming of sheets made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum and special alloys such as nickel 36 (INVAR). We deliver products and solutions that fit perfectly, meet your deadlines and exceed quality standards. We are among the industry leaders on the world market for shipbuilding, industry, renewable energies and architectural projects. Modern machinery and continuously trained employees guarantee turnkey products of the highest quality. We have the know-how for technical planning and the construction of innovative and customer-tailored products. We manufacture products made to measure according to your wishes and specifications. Our entire product
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range meets the highest demands in terms of technology, safety and quality. Our diverse knowledge and skills as well as our passion and perfection in our work give you the competitive advantage you can expect. We are convinced that sustainable progress is based on facing new challenges on a daily basis and being prepared to always think a decisive step ahead. Unique projects require unique solutions. Together, we will find these.
save time and money Thanks to our first-class quality, fitting accuracy and fast delivery, you can reduce your own assembly costs and production times with us. We equip
all types of ships, including super yachts, cruise ships and military ships, with our high-precision, shape-independent metal plates. We deliver highprecision moulds for wind turbines or aircraft parts just-in-time and bring your façade elements directly to the construction site. We guarantee our customers high-quality individual solutions for all applications.
a Wide range of produCts Ostseestaal's 3D formed products are used for façade constructions, metal sculptures and self-supporting elements in the construction industry. Moulding tools for carbon fibre, glass fibre and plastic components used in wind turbine construction or for aircraft and aerospace are an integral part of
our portfolio. With our expertise in specific industrial requirements and our comprehensive certifications, Ostseestaal offers complete solutions for projects which also include the engineering the project management and the logistics.
Unique projects require unique solutions. Together, we will find these.
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aMPereshiP
ampereship
gliding over water using "only" electricity 18 Maritime -Northern Netherlands-
ampereship gmbh is specialized in manufacturing emission-free electric solar-powered ships and ferries of the highest quality for commercial shipping. the shipyard is located directly at the strelasund in the hanseatic city of stralsund.
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A
ll of our ships are made in Germany: specially handcrafted here and delivered worldwide. Thanks to their efficient, hydrodynamic design and lightweight construction, our ships can be driven exclusively by the power of the sun and energy stored in the batteries. We build modern passenger ships and ferries: economic, environmentally friendly and designed for the future.
We build in line with different notified bodies such as Lloyd, GL, BinSchUO, among others. We are also a member of the German Welding Association (DVS). Our ships are created under the supervision of our experienced, highly qualified constructors and engineers. We always ensure that we deliver commercial ships of the highest quality for their different intended purposes.
‘It is our philosophy to build the best, technically viable electric solar ship for our customers’
Each of our ships is manufactured in Stralsund by our certified and experienced specialized employees. We guarantee the latest technology and constant quality controls. Our ships are manufactured, as far as possible, out of aluminium AlMg 4.5. This aluminium/magnesium alloy is extremely stabile, rust-proof and seawater resistant. It is our philosophy to build the best, technically viable electric solar ship for our customers. No "pseudo-electric ship" with a range of just 20 kilometers at 6 km/h and inferior technology, but a real, everyday electric boat for commercial shipping with an extreme range and the required top speed - with electric motors! A fine ship that is optimally tailored to your purpose, tailor-made for you and your success. Ampereship helps you to bring your operating costs to a minimum. A ship that meets the zeitgeist and maximizes your profits. We let you participate in the construction of the ship in each phase and are always at your side after the delivery to continue the support with our know-how.
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eekels tBi
eekels tBi:
actively providing clients with electrical service, refit and maintenance solutions 22 Maritime -Northern Netherlands-
in late 2020, eekels tBi acquired de keizer marine engineering in Zaandam, a specialist in superyacht construction. in doing so, the company has grown to become a powerful consortium in marine, offshore and new-build superyachts, but also specialises in after sales in service, refit, maintenance and spare parts to support ongoing and future clients.
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eekels tBi
T
his represents a mix of a down-to-earth northern attitude and the perseverance of commercial shipping, marine and offshore on the one hand, combined with the somewhat flamboyant style and the desire to provide your clients with full-service solutions in the world of superyachts. Jan Hoegee, Gerrit Steneker, Dick Vorrink and Johan Tjoelker took Maritime Northern Netherlands behind the scenes of the new Eekels TBI. As the Marine & Offshore Director at Eekels, Offshore, Wind & Merchant Vessels, Service, Refit & Maintenance Cluster
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Manager at Eekels Technology, Service Team Leader at the former De Keizer and Service Project Manager at Eekels respectively, they are working hard to integrate the two companies. The Service, Refit & Maintenance cluster for the various maritime markets is the first visible result of the partnership. Jan Hoegee: “With the acquisition of De Keizer Marine Engineering in Zaandam with more than 300 employees, Eekels TBI has consolidated
its position as a partner in technical solutions. As a specialist, their strength lies in superyacht construction. The rest of our 600 employees focus on the commercial shipping, marine and offshore markets. As one of the largest maritime technology companies currently operating in the Netherlands, we have a bright future in technical automation, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. As an independent subsidiary of TBI, Eekels has locations in Kolham (head office), Delfzijl, Emmen, Joure, Gorinchem and in Romania (Galatz). With the acquisi-
tion of De Keizer, Eekels has strengthened its position in the western Netherlands region, particularly in superyacht construction, both in terms of new construction and in the refit and maintenance markets. The acquisition has the full support of our prestigious clients Feadship, Royal Hakvoort and Oceanco, recognition that we are of course very enthusiastic about and will continue to support.” “Eekels will continue to invest in innovations and in optimising technical, sustainable solutions. This includes increasing sustainability, the
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eekels tBi
electrification of systems, the development of shore-based (and later on-board) hydrogen applications and assisting with saving fuel and energy on board future vessels. The key is to take concrete steps towards a sustainable future, most of all by doing. The market can expect no less of Eekels, because we have the clients, the knowledge, the skills and the experience.” Jan Hoegee and Gerrit Steneker believe that acquiring De Keizer Marine Engineering will lead to new opportunities for Eekels and TBI in the new construction, service, refit and maintenance markets. Gerrit Steneker: “When we talk about companies, we are really talking about people and what we can learn from each other. The markets in which the two companies operate with their specific cultures are very different, and it's exactly that synergy that offers opportunities.” Dick Vorrink, who has worked at De Keizer for four years: “De Keizer has been a leading force in engineering for yacht construction for 55 years. In recent times, we have grown exponentially thanks to the strong pressure to keep up with the flamboyant international yachting world. We took on many young people to respond to that enormous growth in both new construction, service and refit but this became our downfall
in 2020, the year of corona. But looking ahead, it’s fantastic that our know-how will survive. Our specialism and strongly client-focused approach will be an asset to the culture at Eekels. Our desire to actively provide full-service solutions for our private clients using smart technology and monitoring is a good match for the broad and deep technical knowledge and experience at Eekels, and can also be put to good use in the marine and offshore market.” What does Johan Tjoelker from Eekels Technology think of the new opportunities for service, refit and maintenance? “We are an experienced electrical engineering partner for shipping companies, yards and ship owners and focus on keeping ships in active service. While we don't shout it from the rooftops, we're always there. By tapping into the specialist knowledge and more extrovert attitude at De Keizer, this cluster will help us grow faster than the market.” Gerrit Steneker: “Synergy arises by fusing two specific corporate cultures, through collaboration and sharing knowledge and skills. With De Keizer, Eekels offers the best of both maritime worlds, in the Netherlands and beyond.”
‘Our specialism and strongly client-focused approach will be an asset to the culture at Eekels’
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CoNoshiP iNterNatioNal
Foto: Johan Brouwer
CoNoshiP iNterNatioNal
emission free ships from the north
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CoNoshiP iNterNatioNal
Foto: Johan Brouwer
Conoship international in groningen launches its vision: “return to the north”. Building emission free, or low-emission cargo ships in the northern dutch and german region; ships that are already on the drawing board and ready for the next phase in shipping.
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“T
he essence is to develop the technology for emission free cargo ships, and build these vessels completely in the region from Harlingen to Emden. Besides developing the technology for emission free shipping, a key element in the strategy is to reduce the building costs in order to be able to compete with shipbuilding nations in the Far East, for small as well as large cargo vessels. This demands collaboration, and being prepared to collectively and centrally produce sub-assemblies, in an automated, robotic factory environment. This means working together to build ships as smartly, cost efficiently and sustainably as possible, ships that are always ready for the next phase in the technical development of propulsion and fuel systems.” This is the vision for Maritime Nort-
hern Netherlands, as expressed by Guus van der Bles, Development Director at Conoship International. He is driven and persuasive, as are his colleagues, Jan Jaap Nieuwenhuis, Design Director and Maarten Sickler, Sales Director. Their message: Conoship is ready. The invitation to take part has been extended.
order picking in shipbuilding Jan-Jaap Nieuwenhuis: “Build a factory where you use robots to fabricate all the components, panels and modules that shipyards need for specific ships. This process ties in with our research conducted for Maritime Board Groningen into digitally integrated, three-dimensional design focused on industrial
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CoNoshiP iNterNatioNal
Foto: Johan Brouwer
logistics, robotised production and order picking. Imagine the process in a car factory, and apply it to shipbuilding. With smart design and digitalisation, you can deliver an enormous costefficient acceleration to the construction process at all the individual yards.” Guus van der Bles: “It will be sustainable. Everything close together, lower material costs, less waste, low logistical costs, much lower emissions. You strengthen the region by supplying complex, state-of-the-art products competitively in fewer man hours. If you think building a ship on the other side of the world is cheaper, you ignore all the environmental and social costs, not to mention quality, higher costs of failure and the lack of control of the processes. The crux of the matter is that we will design and build innovative, sustainable ships here that will last for decades and be part of the energy transition. The economic and ecological lifespan of the current technical and fuel systems is shorter than that of the
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ship itself. This creates opportunities for smart designs where the propulsion system is based on the current revenue model in the first instance, but in a space that takes into account future sustainable solutions. By creating modular designs that can be modified for potential future fuel systems, you can adapt the systems in response to ecological and economic developments, which allows the ship to remain competitive.”
green deal in the north Maarten Sickler: “This region has shipbuilding, technological and logistical knowledge and skills. What's more, we also have knowledge, application opportunities and availability of green and synthetic fuels, such as methanol, hydrogen, LNG, bio-ethanol and methane. We already combine and apply this knowledge in design studies for future ships. These will help us
reach the next goal: building emission-free ships. This demands integration of specialists in the fields of design, research, emissions, regulations, measurement, assessment, certification and taxation. By working together, we can realise the necessary pilots, because the market wants to see what is possible. This vision offers the shipbuilding industry an enormous advantage. Research and development will increase the total knowledge-driven employment in the region and make it attractive for young people. We are convinced we can realise this European Green Deal for shipbuilding in the north.”
era of internationalisation, digitalisation and major sustainability-related transitions. From Harlingen to Emden, we share our roots and culture, and are used to working together. It's time to transform intentions and enthusiasm into the synergy of innovative new shipbuilding projects. Some yards and suppliers still need to be convinced, and we need the enthusiasm of shipowners. We also need willpower at the administrative and political level to realise the necessary funding. We're ready: the question is who will join us.
enthusiasm and determination
In the meantime, we will keep doing what we're good at: cutting-edge engineering, with smart concepts for shallow water and other innovative designs focused on lowering emissions and taking a more sustainable approach to people, materials and the environment.”
Is Conoship International returning to its roots as a common design agency for the northern shipyards? Guus van der Bles and Maarten Sickler: “we can go much further together in this
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Wolfard & Wessels WerktuigBouW
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Wolfard & Wessels WerktuigBouW
offering added value through perfect integration “delivering added value means more than just implementing the piping on a ship. piping must be installed. if you can do it efficiently –meaning faster and with fewer materials – you can save time and money, which adds value” 34 Maritime -Northern Netherlands-
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Wolfard & Wessels WerktuigBouW
knowledge in the group Wolfard & Wessels has been part of the Salor Spakenburg group since 2016. This group consists of around thirty internationally operating companies with familiar names such as Heinen & Hopman, Auerhaan and Radio Zeeland. Wolfard & Wessels benefits from the scale and synergy this provides. Their own experience and expertise in complex marine and industrial newbuild and refit piping projects can thus be applied very broadly. “We are
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doing very well”, summarises Director Jan Overzet the state of affairs in Hoogezand. “We have around 80 permanent employees and a flexible pool of 40 employees. Our strength lies in the fact that we have all the required knowledge, skills and quality in house. This makes us unique across a wide region, from Hamburg to Vlissingen. We are able to make and install our mechanical engineering designs ourselves. The impact of 3D technology and collaboration with other project partners also play an increasingly important role in this.”
Working together, building together Multiple subcontractors are involved with the construction of ships and luxury yachts. Technical Sales Manager Mark de Lange: “We aren't the only party that installs marine components. We also see insulation, engines, electricity, interiors and computer networks – you name it! A workflow has arisen in which every co-maker does their own engineering, which leads to problems during implementation. New techniques such as 3D technology make it possible to create smart, integrated designs and to build logically
and efficiently, as you can work together at multiple locations from a single system and integrate all the individual project components in the overall design. This gives us a much better understanding of the overall picture than ever before. We can see exactly what consequences will arise from decisions and where, for example when making penetrations for the installation of various systems for heating, cooling, (ballast) water and fuel. By designing, building and installing in this way, you can save a great deal of material, time and energy. All this is necessary to keep the sector in the region viable and competitive.”
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Wolfard & Wessels WerktuigBouW
‘Our strength lies in the fact that we have all the required knowledge, skills and quality in house’
showpiece for shipbuilding In the coming year, a walk-to-work shallow draft icebreaker will be realised in Delfzijl. Wolfard & Wessels are responsible for the mechanical engineering systems, from the basic design to the final installation. De Lange: “Along
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side the essential systems to allow operation at extreme temperatures, the entire system is geared towards the reuse of energy and heat and reducing fuel consumption. This means it's a perfect job for Wolfard & Wessels. It's a great boost for us and other companies in the region, a showpiece for northern shipbuilding.”
unburdening the client Technology and innovation come together to relieve clients of the need to worry about strict regulations. Examples include using scrubbers (flue gas systems), double-walled fuel piping and ballast water treatment systems. Using 3D laser scanning, Wolfard & Wessels designs, produces and installs complete systems to handle these tasks, often in existing engine rooms.
“This reduces ship downtime enormously. Thanks to our experience with more than 500 ballast water treatment systems and our technology and expertise, Wolfard & Wessels is a reliable project partner where quality is always the top priority.” www.wolfard.nl
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the sMi groeP
the smi groep
versatile employer in engineering the smi groep encompasses a growing number of companies in dokkum and leeuwarden. Clients in shipping, offshore, luxury superyacht construction and the maritime industry are a strong component in this family business. the wide variety of work offers plenty of opportunities for people with passion for engineering. owners Bert and Bauke spijksma on creating scope for idea and ownership. manufacturing industry at its best.
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the sMi groeP
“A
n entrepreneurial spirit, solution oriented, flexible, innovative and creative, with an eye for detail, offering people room to grow.” This is how Bert and Bauke Spijksma describe the DNA of the SMI Groep. Jelle Jelsma and their father, Gabe Spijksma, founded the company in 1980. It now includes a variety of modern metalworking companies specialising in high-quality sheet metal working, milling, machining and bespoke work, from design and engineering to production, project management, sales and services. Manufacturing industry at its best, with an eye for detail. “It shows how we think, who we are. It has to be good, at every level – from the product and the production floor up to the office, on the inside and the outside. The best people, resources and machines to make the best products for our clients around the world. What we make is rarely standard. Our customers build superyachts, offshore structures, medical technology and are specialists in the manufacturing industry. They often have unique wishes, from high-quality yacht equipment to unique offshore structures and other challenging projects. We design and make products for the most demanding applications.”
stars of the manufacturing industry SMI expanded last year with the addition of SMI vanderPloeg, formerly Machinefabriek Van der Ploeg, and Nieland Scheepsbouwpersen (shipbuilding presses) both located in Leeuwarden. These are investments in uncertain times, say Bert and Bauke: “We have
consciously chosen to continue investing now. This makes SMI more complete: these acquisitions strengthen the entire group. The starting point is always that every company must be able to stand on its own two feet while contributing to the group as a whole. The great thing is that, with every new addition, we see that the individual strength of each company makes a positive contribution to the others. You can learn so much from one another, and that leads to increased synergy. It offers the SMI Groep more and more options in production and delivery, in security of supply and reliability. Our knowledge, expertise, commercial and creative acumen and capabilities are growing all the time. This means we can serve our customers and clients even better, and that's what we want. When something seems impossible, SMI excels in finding a way to make it possible and putting it into practice. We thrive in demanding situations; we are a dynamic and versatile company in many respects.”
strong in innovation “Within the SMI Groep, shipbuilding, offshore and luxury yacht construction are well represented with Cramm Yachting Systems, Hydromar Marine Equipment, Swissway Marine Holland, and since recently also Nieland Shipbuilding presses. These are all internationally operating companies, founded on craft skills, bespoke solutions, creativity, knowledge and expertise. The luxury and superyacht construction market in which we operate is highly innovative, the wishes and demands of their clients are often challenging and unique. Finding solutions demands creativity and knowledge, and a high level of expertise and craft skills to put them into practice.
‘We thrive in demanding situations’
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the sMi groeP
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We supply swim platforms, movable decks, telescopic passerelles (gangways), landing platforms for helicopters and numerous types of crane. Products that allow people and equipment, such as dinghies, compact submarines and helicopters, to be brought onboard and ashore with more ease. We produce rotatable, movable, pivoting, automatic, hydraulic, easily operable products that are capable of withstanding any conceivable conditions at sea and that are always realised to perfection with the best materials. Nieland is the global market leader in the field of presses for cold forming of steel plates, often used for ship hull panels, which are shaped in two and three dimensions. The demand for cold forming in metalworking, shipbuilding and architecture is increasing. It has major benefits in comparison to line heating, including reduced energy consumption, lower labour costs and more control of the end result. The global demand for cold forming pressed is increasing. This means Nieland can offer more work to our production companies, including SMI vanderPloeg, where a large part of the production and assembly takes place. With Nieland, we focus on further product development and innovation.”
improve what can be improved The increasing diversity within the SMI Groep also means more diversity in the work and employment opportunities we offer. “We're looking for people with enthusiasm and a passion for engineering. We offer work at many different levels, in process and product engineering, in design and production, including CNC milling and certified welding, and in marketing on the commercial side. This encompasses all levels, ranging from traineeships to graduation projects and theses to a career, because an increasing number of people join us after their traineeship and can grow within the company. Over 200 people work at the SMI Groep as of today. Thanks to this growth, we can focus on other fields and competences. These include, among others, communication, marketing, international sales and project management. All in all, we are becoming a more diverse employer that looks beyond skills alone, that also seeks ownership and a can-do attitude. We love people who take the initiative, we ask you to make us and our customers better every day, we ask for ownership.” The SMI Groep represents challenge, entrepreneurship and perfection in theory and practice. If you think you can and want to contribute to this with passion, don't hesitate to seize this opportunity.
‘All in all, we are becoming a more diverse employer that looks beyond skills alone, that also seeks ownership and a can-do attitude’
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marine service noord
“Confidence is needed to make progress together. We're ready” 46 Maritime -Northern Netherlands-
there is a great deal of interest in alternative fuels for shipping. emission reductions and price mechanisms will largely determine the decisions made about newly constructed vessels and modifications to the existing fleet. marine service noord is ready: the company has been involved with the design and development of alternative fuel systems for many years.
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“We design, produce and sell products at the cutting edge of alternative fuel applications and technology,” explains Gerard Eising, head of sales & basic design at Marine Service Noord in Westerbroek. This began with Marine Service Noord's involvement with the construction of the first LNG bunkering ship, the Pioneer Knutsen, in 2003. In 2009, Eising and his colleagues contributed to the development of the first hydrogen-powered tour boat in Amsterdam, the Nemo H2. Since last year, MSN's own hydrogen-powered lifeboat has sailed the waters around Groningen as a test platform. MSN designed and installed the LNG fuel system for the LNGpowered inland tanker Sirocco in 2014, and last year for the new LNG-powered Wadden Sea ferries for Doeksen. The list of innovative projects is much longer than this, which demonstrates the company's focus on the future. “We have been at the forefront of numerous alternative fuel innovations. The knowledge gained is necessary to develop new systems and installations, but also to work with classification societies to determine the frameworks that will allow these developments to be used in practice. We are seeing a great deal of curiosity about alternative fuels across the industry, from inland shipping to international maritime transport. While we don't yet know what the final destination will be, we are ready for it.”
supply chain commitment Which options have you identified, besides the proven value of LNG? His colleague Jort Rensen, process engineer at MSN, explains: “The possible alternatives are largely determined by who is asking and for which purpose, for which type of ship, which cargo and which route. In addition, many of these alternatives are transition fuels that can be made from either fossil or green materials. At present, LNG is primarily suitable for use on new inland vessels, for seagoing bunkering ships and passenger ships. However, the drawback is that it consumes a great deal of space, which reduces the cargo capacity. Methanol will become more important, as shown by the announcement by Maersk that they will focus on methanol in the coming years. The major benefit of methanol is that it is a liquid, which means it can be stored in tanks of any shape and size, just as with diesel oil. And existing marine engines can be adapted to run on methanol relatively easily. While methanol is currently still made from fossil fuels, it can also be made from green hydrogen, for example, which makes it an ideal transition fuel. It is very popular in motorsport, but marine engine applications require commitment from engine suppliers and manufacturers.”
‘We have been at the forefront of numerous alternative fuel innovations’
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Gerard Eising: “We are also involved with research into the use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier. However, we think there are still too many safety problems for it to be successful in the short term. Alongside hydrogen, we do see a great deal of potential for the synthetic fuel DME, dimethyl ether. This is a very clean, ideal fuel, because it can replace diesel in the same modern engines and supplies a great deal of energy. We are currently investigating how it can be used in marine engine systems. This requires a lot of research, particularly as it’s use has not yet been authorised. In this respect, it is compa-
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rable to Marine Service Noord's earlier experience with LNG: research the applications first before approaching classification societies.” “There is a great deal of interest in hydrogen for fuel cells. Marine Service Noord has carried out research for many years into the possible applications, because these are undoubtedly extensive. This potential is also why we have built numerous H2-based fuel systems. At present, we primarily see it as an alternative fuel for inland navigation and fixed short routes, such as short sea shipping.”
saving energy Can we draw any conclusions yet about these alternatives? Gerard Eising: “Yes, because optimising energy consumption on board deserves much more attention, both in relation to existing systems and installations and in combination with other options, such as design and propulsion. The more you save, the more economical certain alternative fuels can be, because it's all about balancing costs.” A great deal is possible in technical terms. What are we waiting for?
“Commercial shipping is a global industry, which means the success or failure of new initiatives is largely down to international agreements. This process can take some time. It would help a great deal if governments had the courage to take steps and stick to them. A few years ago, the Netherlands planned to convert 900 inland vessels to LNG. Whatever happened to that? To make progress, the market needs the confidence to invest more in a cleaner, better future. Marine Service Noord is ready.”
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