Peter Verstuyft has a background in the business world (at the Boel shipyards and shipowner Exmar). While leading the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association, a Brabo shareholder, he became Chairman of Brabo’s Board of Directors.
Brabo’s baseline is ‘Harbouring Safe & Sound’. Explain that to us.
Peter Verstuyft: “We make sure that ships calling at the port arrive at their berths in the quickest, smoothest and safest way possible. We therefore support the loading and unloading activities in the port and all of the associated economic activities. We play a key operational role. We have grown in our field, gaining unique expertise, and we also invest heavily in training, support, logistics, etc. Because we believe that it’s the right thing to do (and we prove it every day in practice).”
What are the positive aspects of the cooperative structure at Brabo?
“The cooperative structure is a remnant from the past, but at the same time it holds prospects for the future. Co-ownership motivates and encourages people to do a good job together. Employees become co-owners. Based on that structure, we can grow into a powerful company armed for the challenges of the future.”
Where would you place Brabo in the broader context of the port?
“The importance of the Port of Antwerp for the economy of Flanders, Belgium and Europe cannot be underestimated. Smooth mooring and unmooring of ships is as essential as loading and unloading.”
Brabo as facilitator
Peter Verstuyft: “A large shipowner once asked if the Port of Antwerp could handle ships up to 366 metres in length behind the locks. The port’s official position was that it couldn’t be done. A pity, because potential customers would look to other ports. Brabo made it possible! Based on simulations, we were able to show that such ships could indeed be handled here.”
