E-MAGAZINE
55-year anniversary
At the end of November, we had a spectacular evening aboard the old passenger vessel SS Rotterdam, where we came together to celebrate our 55-year anniversary.
AFPM
We’ll be visiting the IPC at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio in San Antonio, TX, from March 23 to March 25, 2025.
Inside the Life of a CFO with Thijs Vlaanderen
CFO at Chemship B.V., shares what it takes to manage the finances of a fleet of stainless steel chemical tankers.
Ventofoils, the story continues
This edition of the Chemship E-magazine is issued one year after the installation of our beautiful Ventofoils.
They are still there. This statement would have given me some peace of mind already during the installation. But there’s more; we have data now, showing actual savings.
Considering the full year of data, we see a whopping 14.5% cut on our main engine emission. In all fairness, this is a combined saving from the Ventofoils together with the Fuel opt package, which is controlling the engine revolutions as well as the fuel flow.
This is causing the vessel to always move in the most economic settings, resulting in cutting down 5.5 mt of CO2 emissions daily; that’s what 130 trees are doing in one year’s time.
These results are so promising that we are studying the options to use our gained experience to install a second set of Ventofoils on the sister vessel, the Chemical Hunter.
We are aiming for a couple of improvements based on our observations on the Chemical Challenger.
Hopefully resulting in even better performance. We’ll keep you posted.
Michiel Marelis
ROTTERDAM, Houston and Istanbul
55 Years of Chemship
A Year of Celebration!
Last year, we proudly celebrated our 55-year anniversary, marking over five decades of strong relationships, shared successes, and continuous growth. This special milestone was celebrated in three events, starting in Houston, followed by Istanbul, and concluding with a spectacular evening in Rotterdam.
The “party squad” started in September in Houston, where our traditional summer party was used to celebrate our anniversary together with our valued American partners and friends. This great evening was filled with good conversations, reflecting on the market, our achievements, and discussing the challenges that our industry is facing.
On November 7th, we continued our celebrations in Istanbul, extending our gratitude to our Turkish customers, business partners, and friends. In collaboration with Eksay, our Shipping Agent in Turkey, we hosted a memorable evening attended by over 60 guests at a stunning venue overlooking the Bosphorus, which was a perfect setting to honour our strong partnerships and shared successes.
Finally, we concluded this remarkable year in Rotterdam, aboard the historic SS Rotterdam. With partners and colleagues from around the world, we looked back on 55 years of growth and raised our glasses to an exciting future. The night featured live music, artistic entertainment from a talented quick-draw artist, and inspiring conversations, making it an unforgettable celebration.
One of the key points, which was a topic of discussion throughout our celebrations, was our commitment to sustainability. During all three events, our continued efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and implement greener solutions were highlighted. As being a “Good Partner” (which goes beyond our client relationship but also includes support for the community), we also emphasised our meaningful partnership with “Family House Daniel den Hoed”, where we have adopted a room for patients with cancer. This room allows families who come from far to stay close to their beloved patient. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, we were able to raise even more funds for this extremely important cause.
With 55 years behind us, we look forward to the future with pride and confidence. As we continue our journey, we would like to express once more the importance of our partnerships and friendships that you brought us.
Here’s to the next chapter; cheers to 55 years and beyond!
nights to remember
WCL Shipping
GADOT Group's Extended Service Portfolio for International Shipping Complements Chemship’s Marine Services
During the past year, GADOT Group took the opportunity to strengthen its international shipping activities with the acquisition of “WCL Shipping” by GADOT Germany. The acquisition of 100% of the shares became effective on January 1st, 2024. The highly motivated team of passionate logistics professionals has since been successfully integrated into the Group’s European organization, making it the fifth GADOT Group location in Germany.
Focus on International Ocean Transport
The stunning view from the Monheim offices of the River Rhine Europe’s largest and most important inland waterway and a vital connection between the European hinterland and Western European seaports perfectly reflects the focus of the activities: international ocean transport arrangements.
Complementing Chemship’s Parcel Tanker Operations
Fully complementary to the Parcel Tanker Operations of Chemship, our sister company in Germany provides international marine transport solutions for a broad variety of products and materials including liquids and chemicals. The key difference is that these materials are not shipped in parcel tankers but in a variety of different ocean containers.
Global Coverage and Tailor-Made Solutions
Thousands of shipments are managed by the team to provide reliable and cost-effective transport solutions for exports, imports, and international cross-trades on a truly global scale. The activities span regions including Asia & the Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North and South America.
Whether liquid materials are shipped in flexitanks, ISO tank containers, or as packed materials in box containers, the team evaluates the most suitable transport option based on the requirements of the international customer base. This includes providing the perfect solution when quantities or infrastructure setups are not feasible for utilizing Chemship’s sophisticated fleet of parcel tankers.
COLLABORATION WITHIN THE GROUP
“Recently, we had initial conversations with a new customer in Switzerland about his new export business to North America and quickly realised that shipments by parcel tankers would not be the most suitable solution for his needs,” recalls Ton Ackermans from the Chemship Chartering Department in Capelle aan den IJssel. “We are always transparent about such findings with our valued customers and therefore recommended reaching out to our colleagues in Germany for alternative solutions within our Group and they delivered.”
“Collaboration is key, and client centricity is core. We always see ourselves as ambassadors of our customers within our organisation,” adds Wilfred Boverhof, Chemship Commercial Director. “Our commitment to providing solutions does not stop at our own offices or vessels. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to involve other teams within our company whether, they are located in Israel, Belgium, Germany, or elsewhere, to support our customers’ business needs.”
SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION
The team at GADOT Germany and WCL Shipping assessed various logistics scenarios and ultimately provided the customer with solutions using ISO tank containers and flexitanks for a variety of products. This enabled the creation of effective and efficient supply chains for exports to the U.S.
This is yet another great example of teamwork and professionalism in welcoming new customers on board our “Logistics Partnership.”
under the Christmas tree
Christmas spirit at Chemship
Traditionally the employees and their partners team up together before Christmas to enjoy each other’s company. We had a lovely day and evening together.
New Podcast Episode:
Inside the Life of a CFO with Thijs Vlaanderen
In this episode, Thijs Vlaanderen, CFO at Chemship B.V., shares what it takes to manage the finances of a fleet of stainless steel chemical tankers. He explains why companies need a CFO and how the role goes far beyond numbers, from securing ship financing to driving strategic decisions.
Thijs dives into the importance of internal audits, the power a CFO holds in decision-making, and the essential skills for success. He also shares his career journey, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and rewards of the job, and provides valuable tips for those starting out in the finance industry.
A must-listen for anyone curious about the world of finance and leadership!
hope to be a successful operator
Ian, born in Rotterdam
My name is Ian, 28 years old and born in Rotterdam. I joined Chemship B.V. on the 2nd of December 2024 as an operator. I finished my study at Scheepvaart- & Transport College with a MBO-4 degree.
Before I started this job, I worked at the agency department of Vertom Agencies B.V. (3 years), and as a surveyor at Flokstra Survey Bureau B.V. (3.5 years) and B.C.I. Rotterdam B.V. (1 year).
Via Vertom Agencies B.V. I got to know Chemship B.V. and always kept this company in mind. During my time as a surveyor, I got to do some transshipment on the ships of Chemship B.V. as well and got to know the ship particulars already before working at the operations department. With my experience, energy, and knowledge, I hope to add value during my time at Chemship B.V.
In my spare time I love to go for walks with my wife & dog and play football with my friends. Working for Chemship B.V. has been very pleasant so far, and with the guidance of my colleagues, I hope to be a successful operator at the company.
Shipping and Logistics College
Maritime talent days on the 10th of October at the STC Rotterdam
On October 10th, Chemship was invited to host a guest lecture at the STC in Rotterdam, related to the Maritime Talent Initiative. This is a cooperation between various educational institutes at different levels from the Rotterdam area, to help raise interest from students for maritime career opportunities.
Students were asked to choose their topics of interest from a wide selection of segments, like shipbuilding, the wind farm industry, dredging, port operations, etc. We were asked to speak on sustainable shipping at sea, which is exactly our expertise.
Together (Jeroen Leenderts and me), we went to set up the classroom with our banners and, as always, the nerve-racking challenge to get the PowerPoint on the big screen successfully.
We succeeded, and we were facing a very good turnout of 25 very interested students. The 30 minutes, which we were given, were obviously way too short.
Still, we managed, after a brief introduction on sustainability regulations in the EU and globally, to rush through the sustainable hull coatings we use, propeller bosscap fins, the Dexoil and of course our Ventofoils. It was good to see the next generation showed this much interest in what we are doing and came up with some good questions.
We look forward to participating again next year.
Together with the Dutch Shipowners Association (KVNR), Jeroen is doing similar events in elementary schools as well.
All in order to get new talent in our industry, helping us to “ride the wind of change” to the future.
Michiel Marelis
Exchange week students Niftarlake College
Chemship partly sponsored the hoodies of the students of Atheneum 3 of Niftarlake College who went on exchange week to France. My son Lucas (14) is a student at Niftarlake College, and it was his exchange week.
Chemship partly sponsored the hoodies of the students of Atheneum 3 of Niftarlake College who went on exchange week to France. My son Lucas (14) is a student at Niftarlake College, and it was his exchange week.
The group of a total of 20 students travelled in February for one week to Merville-Franceville-Plage in Normandy. He stayed at home with his exchange student, and this student will come to the Netherlands in May and will stay at our place as well.
The purpose of the exchange week is to introduce the students to the culture and lifestyles of other countries of the European Union. The aim of the exchange is to increase their Global Engagement (an active involvement in society at local, national, and international levels), to enable students to acquire intercultural competencies (the ability to deal with diversity and interculturalism), promote their personal growth (self-reliance, independence, flexibility, and craftsmanship), and increase their language skills. They contribute via the exchange to increase active citizenship. The group visited very interesting places in Normandy: Batterie de Merville, Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-Mer, and Caen.
This year the exchange is about sustainability. They worked on a project about this major subject at school. When the French students are in the Netherlands, they will continue to work on this project.
Esther Auée
The aim is to increase their Global Engagement!
Cookie 'monsters'
Little ones
In December, our office at Chemship in Capelle aan de IJssel was joyfully taken over by “our” little ones. It was a heartwarming sight as they filled the space with laughter and excitement. The children, with their creative energy and curious eyes, made the day truly special. Not only did they brighten the atmosphere, but they also treated us to a delightful surprise-delicious self-made cookies!
Hope and care:
Fighting cancer together
The Daniel den Hoed Foundation is committed to groundbreaking cancer research and advancing the fight against this disease. At the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, scientists and doctors work tirelessly to develop better treatments, made possible by generous donations. These contributions fuel innovative therapies and offer patients new hope.
Emma, a young mother of two, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Thanks to research funded by the Daniel den Hoed Foundation, she was given access to an experimental treatment. The tumour shrank, allowing Emma to spend precious time with her family.
The Daniel den Hoed House also plays an important role. It offers patients and their families a comfortable place to stay during intensive treatments. Thanks to sponsors and supportive companies, it remains a warm and supportive refuge. Once again, we at Chemship are proud to sponsor a family room (room 9.3) at the Daniel den Hoed Foundation. During our 55th anniversary on the SS Rotterdam, Niels proudly emphasised our commitment and support, and by inviting the audience to do the same, numerous generous donations were made to support the good work of The Family House. Something the Daniel den Hoed Foundation was very happy about.
Together with donors and partners, the Foundation makes hope a reality because no one should have to fight cancer alone.
International Petrochemical Conference
We will meet again!
Dear friends,
The time has come to check if our ESTA status is still valid, as we are going to escape the cold weather here in Rotterdam and come over to Houston and San Antonio for the annual AFPM meeting.
Despite the looming worldwide trade tensions, we are looking forward to a warm welcome in the USA, both in terms of climate and business opportunities. As a service provider in the Bulk Liquid Chemical transportation for more than 55 years, we remain committed to servicing our partners on the USA–Mediterranean tradelane and vice versa and keep on exploring opportunities for mutual growth.
This is a great opportunity to hear more about your plans and share ideas about the future about how we can mutually grow and expand our partnerships. Furthermore, this would be an excellent time to advise you more about the “initial” findings of the sails (Ventofoils) we have installed on board our MT Chemical Challenger.
All in all, a good period to catch up and have a nice conversation with a coffee or a drink, so please reach out to one of our delegates to arrange a sit-together in either Houston or San Antonio.
Chemship will be represented by:
Niels Grotz (CEO), Wilfred Boverhof (Commercial Director), Paul Feaver (Chartering Manager) and Ton Ackermans (Tradelane Manager)
We are looking forward to catching up with you.
Team Chemship
Fleet 2025
