Theo Klimp of shipping company Royal Wagenborg was appointed new chairman of the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) on 21 May. During the general meeting of the association in the Maas building of football stadium De Kuip, outgoing chairman Jan Valkier (shipping company Anthony Veder) passed the gavel to Klimp.
Under Valkier’s chairmanship, the KVNR embarked on a path towards a more strategic direction. Now that the chairmanship has passed to Klimp, already closely involved in this process as vice-chairman, this line will be continued with an increasing focus on the position of Dutch shipowners in Europe.
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New step in Europe
‘From Royal Wagenborg, Theo manages one of the most extensive merchant fleets we have in Dutch shipping,’ says KVNR director Annet Koster. ‘The shipping company has been globally active on salt water for more than 125 years. With a strong presence in European coastal shipping, the brand-new chairman is naturally well-equipped to strengthen our position in Europe.’
She adds: ‘At the same time, of course, Europe cannot and should not be separated from the world stage. In this context, it is nice that the KVNR’s presidency is being supplemented by board member Yntze Buitenwerf (Seatrade), who as of today assumes the role of vice-chairman. Seatrade is a global player in reefer shipping. Combined with the ECSA chairmanship being filled by KVNR board member Karin Orsel (MF Shipping Group), it can be said that the KVNR is ready for a new step in Europe.’
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About the KVNR
The Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) is the representative of Dutch-based shipowners active in maritime shipping. The KVNR focuses its activities on politics, government, maritime cluster and society. The aim of its advocacy is to enable shipowners worldwide to operate unimpeded with clean ships that sail safely with competent crews.
Photo: Theo Klimp just after being appointed KVNR chairman (by Just Justa/KVNR).
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