The fifth Maritime Awards Gala took place yesterday at the Amsterdam Convention Factory. Once again Dutch maritime industry gathered to be witness to this year’s Maritime Awards winners and network. SWZonline has posted https://www.swzonline.nl/fotoverslag/36[a Maritime Awards Gala photo album] to give you an impression of this successful event.
Evening’s Opening
A spectacular laser show opened the fifth edition of the Maritime Awards. Host of the evening, Roelof Hemmen, welcomed the guests, after which both Cees Moolenburgh, president of the Maritime Awards Foundation, and Freek Ossel, alderman of the port of Amsterdam, provided an introduction. Cees Moolenburgh discussed the current state of affairs in maritime industry and commemorated the three Damen employees who died in last week’s plane crash in Cuba. Freek Ossel spoke of his port Amsterdam and its strong maritime history and connections.
One Ceremony for Maritime Awards
Following was a speech by Karla Peijs, former Minister of Transport and Public Works, who praised Dutch maritime industry for being a strong, innovative cluster that is very important for Dutch economy. When she was still a Minister, she asked maritime organisations to combine their awards into one ceremony to attract more attention and bring the cluster closer together. As a result, she was there now to present the awards to their winners.
Smoke and Mirrors
During the award ceremony, Merlin Award and Big E Award winner illusionist Christian Farla provided a spectacular intermezzo. Farla and his three show girls performed some fast disappearing and reappearing acts before closing of with a real Houdini stunt with chains and a water tank.
Wine, Dine and Music
After the award ceremony, the guests took their places at sponsor tables for dinner. Dinner was musically accompanied by a live band. Dessert was served during the afterparty, where the guests could network and enjoy a pop band.
The award winners from left to right: HME Maritime Innovation Award winner Jan van der Tempel (Ampelmann), VNSI Timmersprijs winner Nico van der Hoeven, award presenter Karla Peijs, HISWA Excellence Award winner Henk Hokwerda, Ship of the Year Winner Bas Noorland (IHC Dredgers), and KVNR Shipping Award Winner Feico Hoogeveen(Abis Shipping)
