NETHERLANDS & GERMANY 2023

IMB-SU EL 23-Report
by Capt. Ashok Pandey

The summer of 2023 brought some exciting opportunities for IMB cadets with an overseas field trip to two exciting destinations- the Netherlands and Germany. The 3-week experiential learning provided an opportunity to visit one of the largest port cities, Rotterdam in the Netherlands. This was the second visit of IMB students to Rotterdam since 2019.

Here’s a brief overview of some globally renowned maritime businesses that hosted the cadets in the Netherlands in Weeks 1 & 3.

Port of Rotterdam: As one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe, the Port of Rotterdam serves as a crucial hub for international trade and shipping. It handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products. The cadets had an extensive day long tour aboard a Spido cruise boat.

Damen Naval Shipyard, Vlissingen: Damen Shipyards Group is a leading shipbuilding company with a strong presence in the Netherlands. The Vlissingen shipyard specializes in naval vessels, including frigates, patrol boats, support ships as well as the superyacht building.

International Criminal Court (ICC), The Hague: While not directly related to maritime operations, the ICC in The Hague plays a significant role in international law and justice. It investigates and prosecutes serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Wrist Ship Supply Rotterdam: Wrist Ship Supply is a global provider of ship provisions, technical services, and logistics solutions. Their Rotterdam branch ensures that vessels receive essential supplies and services while in port thus managing a complicated supply chain in the largest port in Europe.

Rotterdam Pilot Association, Hoek van Holland: Pilots play a crucial role in guiding ships safely through challenging waters. The Rotterdam Pilot Association provides experienced pilots who assist vessels navigating the busy Europort & Rotterdam harbor and nearby waters. The cadets had a day out at the Vessel Traffic management center in Hoek van Holland.

Stolt BV, Rotterdam: Stolt Tankers is a leading provider of transportation services for bulk liquids, chemicals, and edible oils. Their Rotterdam operations contribute to the efficient movement of liquid cargoes worldwide.

A.P Moller-Maersk & APMT Europort: A.P. Moller-Maersk is a global shipping conglomerate, and APMT Europort is a fully automated container terminal, one among the very few worldwide. Maersk operates a vast fleet of modern container ships, connecting ports across the globe.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Known for its luxurious cruise ships and exciting itineraries, the cadets went aboard the ‘Celebrity Apex’ docked in Rotterdam on the day before departure.

These businesses represent diverse aspects of the maritime industry, from port operations and shipbuilding to legal matters and cruise tourism. Each contributes to the dynamic and interconnected world of seafaring and maritime commerce.

Having spent a week in the Netherlands students travelled by train across to border to Leer, Germany (week 2). The field trips in Leer were hosted by the University of Applied Sciences (Emden/Leer) and included lectures, workshops on the use of wind energy to assist in ship propulsion, the Flettner Rotor technology in particular. Cadets also had the opportunity to have a day long educational trip to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, builders of some of the largest cruise vessels in the world. The cadets also participated in a maritime summer party over the weekend to mark the 200th anniversary of the city of Leer and the 50th anniversary of the Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences before returning back to Rotterdam in the last week. 

Staying at youth hostel facilities in Rotterdam and Leer was an eye-opening multicultural experience for the cadets in their own words as they interacted with locals as well as youth from around the world!

MMA and the IMB cadets would like to thank all stakeholders who spent their invaluable time and resources in educating our cadets!

Werft shipyard in Papenburg, builders of some of the largest cruise vessels in the world. The cadets also participated in a maritime summer party over the weekend to mark the 200th anniversary of the city of Leer and the 50th anniversary of the Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences before returning back to Rotterdam in the last week. 
Staying at youth hostel facilities in Rotterdam and Leer was an eye-opening multicultural experience for the cadets in their own words as they interacted with locals as well as youth from around the world! 
MMA and the IMB cadets would like to thank all stakeholders who spent their invaluable time and resources in educating our cadets!

Exhibit 1: The student hostel-‘Stayokay’ Rotterdam

Exhibit 2: Damen Shipyard and Damen Yachting, Vlissingen

Exhibit 3: Maersk Operations Center, Rotterdam

Exhibit 4: Vessel Traffic Center, Hoek van Holland

Exhibit 5: Workshop at Stolt BV headquarters, Rotterdam

Exhibit 6: Lecture- Maritime University Emden/Leer (Germany)

Exhibit 7: e CAT tour, Emden (Germany)

Exhibit 8: Wrist Ship Supply, Rotterdam

Exhibit 9: Leisure time with local students in Leer, Germany

A snapshot of cadet reflections:

“As a group we immersed ourselves in the Dutch culture by dining on unique & incredibly tasteful foods, making a point to left no area of the city unturned, and engaging with many many locals and international peers. Countless friends and memories were made within Rotterdam.” 

“The Flettner Rotor is the method that has seen the most success and has been put into practice. The technology has been evolving and has been shown to reduce carbon emissions with its fuel-efficient characteristics.” 

“We talked to Capt. Herman Broers of Nederlands Loodswezen about piloting through the port and how dangerous it could be if not done right.” 

“They (Damen Shipyard) explained to us how they do business with the United States and sell vessel design contracts to military entities.” 

“Amsterdam was an incredibly culturally rich place, whilst having less Maritime presence than Rotterdam, it was alive with bustling streets and Dutch art, food, and more.”