Maria Verbeek has been working in logistics since 1983, specifically from the Port of Rotterdam region. This year she took the plunge and opened the Dutch branch of Aprojects at Heijplaat Rotterdam. We talk to Maria about her profession, the choices she has made in her career and the opportunities for women in the logistics sector.

YOU HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE CV IN LOGISTICS. WHY WAS THIS SECTOR SO APPEALING TO YOU?

Verbeek: “My first involvement with logistics was at Bureau Veritas where I immediately came into contact with all aspects of shipping goods: from the export firms selling and shipping their goods, shipping companies carrying the goods overseas, the banks financing the sales, through to the receiving parties at the final destinations, including all manner of paperwork that it involves. Perhaps the biggest challenge is still variables over which you have little or no control, such as delays and delivering to countries where the infrastructure or local political situation is obstructive. Apart from that, the versatility of logistics appeals to me; from sales to purchasing and the organisation of the entire logistics operation. It really is a team sport, in which you have to work well with your own people and your partners."

YOU STARTED UP APROJECTS NETHERLANDS THIS YEAR. WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION?

"I put it down to a fortunate combination of circumstances. Having worked in this sector for many years, I've built up a network of parties with whom I have very good working relationships with. That works both ways, of course. You come across each other everywhere, at trade fairs, events... It's a small world. That’s how this opportunity at Aprojects fell into my lap. Aprojects felt it was necessary to have a footprint in the Netherlands as well as in Belgium. A large amount of cargo is already shipped via Rotterdam and it’s therefore very important to have a local presence with someone who speaks the language. I saw this as a good opportunity. Joining my down to earth Rotterdam approach where ‘actions speak louder than words’ with the formal trading style of the Belgians, we make a strong combination. And, of course, it's nice to be able to assemble your own team and decide which partners you'd like to work with."

APROJECTS NETHERLANDS CONSISTS OF TWO WOMEN. WHY IS THIS SO EXCEPTIONAL?

"That’s a good question! The funny thing is that I still remember all the women I've met in logistics very well. They are a certain type of women who know how to stand on their own two feet in what tends to be a man's world. A couple of years ago I was involved in the Dona Daria stand during the World Port days. This organisation encourages women to seek employment in Rotterdam’s industry. I talked to a variety of women there about working in the Port of Rotterdam. Most thought that I worked on a crane at a terminal, which is the stereotypical image of the Port of Rotterdam. My motivation to work in this sector is difficult to get across to this target group. After all, the role of 'Project freight forwarder' involves a lot of learning on the job.

"Nonetheless, I am noticing a change of direction among some of the larger companies with more and more women taking up leading positions. I believe that the number of girls opting for the Shipping and Transport College (STC) is also rising. The profession is so multifaceted and that also calls for more diversity in the workplace. So, there are plenty of opportunities for women! And once you've embraced the port life, as I have, you don't want anything else!"

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE ‘A’ IN APROJECTS STANDS FOR ANTWERP. DOES THIS MEAN THAT YOU'RE DIVERTING CARGO TO ANTWERP?

"Absolutely not! Aprojects Netherlands looks for the best solution for the client. In doing so, the focus is on the Port of Rotterdam. Rotterdam's water-based infrastructure lends itself perfectly to sharing with that of Antwerp. And, as I already mentioned, a lot of cargo is already shipped via Rotterdam. We simply want to expand those activities. Of course, we would like to collaborate on this with the members of the RPPC and Breakbulk Community Rotterdam. In fact, we have recently carried out some good assignments with partners from the network."

HOW HAS CORONAVIRUS IMPACTED YOU AS A STARTING BUSINESS?

"Well, we’re in our first year of doing business and we should really be physically sitting down with clients and prospects. Instead it’s all happening digitally and by telephone. It's a lot of sowing seeds, making contacts and seeing if it's possible to place cargo on the existing sailings. We see that customers know how to find us because we have a good network and they’re also aware that we think outside the box. That’s essential in the current situation!

“As Aprojects is represented in at least 10 countries and is still growing, the COVID-19 pandemic gives us the opportunity to take a good look at our internal organisation, structure and marketing. We also keep each other informed about the local situation and market developments. Especially now, it's nice to be part of a broad international organisation like Aprojects.

"Let's hope for a strong economic recovery; if we support each other now this will eventually pay dividends."