Minister Johnson visits Port of Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM/PHILIPSBURG — Despite the late start of the European Promotional Trip, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) Stuart Johnson visited the Port of Rotterdam last week where he was welcomed by a delegation from the port.

Johnson was accompanied by Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Michel Somersol, Ichel Moeslikan, Head of Product Development of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, along with Kelly Busby and Javier Badaracco of the cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary.

During the visit Johnson held discussions with Port of Rotterdam International’s Project Manager for International Port Projects Marc Evertse. Johnson discussed joint venture projects that both Port St. Maarten and Port of Rotterdam can collaborate on in different parts of the world to improve their competitive edge.

“Considering the development plans St. Maarten has for its ports of entry, I found it prudent for me to take the opportunity to dialogue with the management team at the Port of Rotterdam as we are always looking at ways to improve the way we do business on St. Maarten,” said Johnson. He said the team at Port of Rotterdam were very welcoming.

Following the meeting Evertse said he was pleased to learn about the development plans for St. Maarten.

Already Port of Rotterdam International provides consultancy services to Curacao and they were keen to point out that they have never held discussions with St. Maarten on collaboration prior to Johnson’s visit. An initiative for which the Minister was lauded. The Port of Rotterdam’s Management team outlined some challenges and advised the St. Maarten delegation to be flexible when making their long-term plan as the market trends forces one to adapt to innovations in the industry.

They have also advised on benefit of shared data and on ways to reduce time and increase productivity in operations. The Minister also discussed training programs that exists in The Netherlands which he thinks will be beneficial for St. Maarten.

Johnson and his delegation received a presentation on the entire operations of the Port of Rotterdam and its strategic objective 2020 to 2030.

This strategic objective was very impressive and it shows that our own plans on St. Maarten are moving in the right direction. “Already Port St. Maarten is looking towards the future and finding ways of improve their operation with the viewpoint of fortifying it to become more competitive in the Caribbean,” said Johnson.

While in The Netherlands Johnson also took the opportunity to visit the new office of the cabinet Minister Plenipotentiary located in The Hague.

“There is definitely space the ministry of TEATT can utilize for promoting the destination which is an initiative supported by the deputy Minister Plenipotentiary.”