Introduction
Paul Verheul Chief Operations Officer:
‘It is my aim that this company will matter in the future too’
S.E.A. - Sustainable Earth Actions
Time for action, time for S.E.A.
This online magazine is all about S.E.A., our game-changing programme of Sustainable Earth Actions. It is built on the sustainability issues found to be the most relevant for our company and stakeholders and in which we have the greatest impact, by promoting our views on sustainability, undertaking initiatives, creating new partnerships, pursuing innovation and sharing knowledge. We want to act as a thought leader, accelerate climate initiatives, enhance the energy transition and empower nature & communities. Join us in our purpose and learn about our innovations and partnerships. You’re invited to be part of our ongoing story and to join S.E.A.
Paul Verheul
Chief Operations Officer
High expectations
We are part of a world that is being affected by climate change, that is making the transition to a sustainable energy system, and that is home to a society that expects more of us all the time. I’m sure that we are capable in meeting these challenges. Van Oord is often thought of as the company that changes Google Maps, a nickname that we gained with our work creating the Palm Islands, new airports in open seas and large industrial areas. But the name doesn’t say anything about how we want to create a better world. I truly believe that it all comes together in Marine ingenuity. It is what sets Van Oord apart. Thanks to the ingenious minds and passionate hearts of our employees, we have developed some smart solutions. FaunaGuard, for example, minimises the potential impact of our marine construction and offshore installation works for dolphins, seals and porpoises. Another striking example is our effort to test a new method of large-scale coral rehabilitation at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Sustainability, innovation and partnering are the key to successfully facing worldwide challenges.
Sustainability: It’s in our nature to care
Paul Verheul
This online magazine is all about S.E.A.,
our game-changing programme of
Sustainable Earth Actions. It is built on the sustainability issues found to be the most relevant for our company and stakeholders and in which we have the greatest impact.
Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the
Vox Amalia’s christening ceremony
2018: a special jubilee year
The story continues
Now, 150 years later, this story of entrepreneurship, spirit and perseverance continues. The conferral of the royal designation and the presence of Queen Máxima at the Vox Amalia’s christening ceremony made 2018 an unforgettable milestone in the history of our company. A new chapter is ahead of us. It is my aim that this company will matter in the future too. Climate change is forcing us to change the way we think and work. As Van Oord, we recognise our dependence on natural ecosystems, our responsibilities to our communities and the changing expectations of our customers. Our purpose is to create a better world for future generations by delivering marine ingenuity. That is by no means an easy task, but we did not choose it because it is easy; we admit that we are ambitious. It is the same ambition as Govert van Oord had in 1868: to find new ways and to look for long-term continuity.
In 1868 our world was completely different. The world had only
1.2 billion inhabitants and their average life expectancy was 30 years. The average temperature on Earth was 1.5°C cooler. It was in that year that Govert van Oord decided, at the age of 28, to go into business for himself. His decision marked the start of an ongoing story in which we all can play a role.
Introduction
Paul Verheul Chief Operations Officer:
‘It is my aim that this company will matter in the future too’
Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the
Vox Amalia’s christening ceremony
Sustainability: It’s in our nature to care
High expectations
We are part of a world that is being affected by climate change, that is making the transition to a sustainable energy system, and that is home to a society that expects more of us all the time. I’m sure that we are capable in meeting these challenges. Van Oord is often thought of as the company that changes Google Maps, a nickname that we gained with our work creating the Palm Islands, new airports in open seas and large industrial areas. But the name doesn’t say anything about how we want to create a better world. I truly believe that it all comes together in Marine ingenuity. It is what sets Van Oord apart. Thanks to the ingenious minds and passionate hearts of our employees, we have developed some smart solutions. FaunaGuard, for example, minimises the potential impact of our marine construction and offshore installation works for dolphins, seals and porpoises. Another striking example is our effort to test a new method of large-scale coral rehabilitation at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Sustainability, innovation and partnering are the key to successfully facing worldwide challenges.
Time for action, time for S.E.A.
This online magazine is all about S.E.A., our game-changing programme of Sustainable Earth Actions. It is built on the sustainability issues found to be the most relevant for our company and stakeholders and in which we have the greatest impact, by promoting our views on sustainability, undertaking initiatives, creating new partnerships, pursuing innovation and sharing knowledge. We want to act as a thought leader, accelerate climate initiatives, enhance the energy transition and empower nature & communities. Join us in our purpose and learn about our innovations and partnerships. You’re invited to be part of our ongoing story and to join S.E.A.
Paul Verheul
Chief Operations Officer
Paul Verheul
This online magazine is all about S.E.A., our game changing programme of Sustainable Earth Actions. It is built on the sustainability issues found to be the most relevant for our company and stakeholders and in which we have the greatest impact.
The story continues
Now, 150 years later, this story of entrepreneurship, spirit and perseverance continues. The conferral of the royal designation and the presence of Queen Máxima at the Vox Amalia’s christening ceremony made 2018 an unforgettable milestone in the history of our company. A new chapter is ahead of us. It is my aim that this company will matter in the future too. Climate change is forcing us to change the way we think and work. As Van Oord, we recognise our dependence on natural ecosystems, our responsibilities to our communities and the changing expectations of our customers. Our purpose is to create a better world for future generations by delivering marine ingenuity. That is by no means an easy task, but we did not choose it because it is easy; we admit that we are ambitious. It is the same ambition as Govert van Oord had in 1868: to find new ways and to look for long-term continuity.
In 1868 our world was completely different. The world had only 1.2 billion inhabitants and their average life expectancy was 30 years. The average temperature on Earth was 1.5°C cooler. It was in that year that Govert van Oord decided, at the age of 28, to go into business for himself. His decision marked the start of an ongoing story in which we all can play a role.