“It was important for me to first really see how the technical department works before I could start working on improvement plans.” With that attitude, Sjors, a Venturn Young Professional (VYP), has just started his assignment at HES Bulk Terminal Rotterdam (HBTR).
The terminal is a crucial link in the logistics of iron ore, located on Tweede Maasvlakte. Behind the impressive quays, cranes, and conveyor belts lies a world in which technology, cooperation, and process optimization go hand in hand.
In his first week, Sjors put on safety shoes and accompanied various maintenance teams. This gave him a close-up view of how the technical department (TD) ensures that machines and conveyor belts continue to run. From minor repairs to preparing for major maintenance shutdowns, the TD is indispensable for keeping bulk flows running smoothly.
“By walking along with them, I immediately understood better where the bottlenecks are,” says Sjors. “It also gave me respect for the professional knowledge and cooperation within the teams.”
A task with impact
Sjors’ VYP task revolves around documenting and improving processes within the TD. That may sound abstract, but the impact is significant: if work orders are not processed properly or consultation structures are ineffective, this can lead to delays and unnecessary costs.
An important part of his work consists of visualizing workflows. Together with colleagues, he designs step-by-step plans for preparing maintenance shutdowns and creates process overviews of how work orders move through the organization. “It helps to literally see such a process on paper. Then you suddenly notice where there are risks that something will be left undone.”
He also looks at the status of work orders. Are they consistently updated? Or do orders sometimes slip through the cracks and not get fully processed? By making this clear, the efficiency of the technical department can be further improved.
Learning through analysis
In the coming weeks, Sjors will shift his focus to the consultation structures within HBTR. How often do teams meet, what is discussed, and does this align with the core activities? It is an issue that touches on both culture and efficiency.
“What I like about this part of the assignment is that it’s not just about numbers. You also have to understand how people work together, how information is shared, and how decisions are made,” explains Sjors. By attending meetings, analyzing documents, and interviewing colleagues, he wants to paint a complete picture and make substantiated recommendations.
What I learned
The project offers Sjors plenty of opportunities to develop his analytical skills. But he finds the conversations with employees just as valuable: “You learn a lot just by listening to how they experience their work. Those insights are indispensable for being able to give good advice.”
He notices that he is getting better and better at recognizing patterns and connections in complex processes. “At first, you mainly see separate pieces of the puzzle. But the more you hear and see, the better you can connect the dots.”
Looking to the future
With a significant portion of his assignment still ahead of him, Sjors is looking forward to the next steps. He sees the analysis of consultation structures in particular as an opportunity to make a concrete contribution to efficiency and collaboration within HBTR. Ultimately, he wants his work to show that process optimization is not just about systems, but also about people.
“The great thing about this assignment is that I can combine my analytical skills with my interest in how organizations work together. I hope that my work will contribute to a technical service that can function even better and smarter.”
About the VYP program
The Venturn Young Professionals program (VYP) offers recent graduates the opportunity to immediately start working in the maritime and logistics sector. Through challenging assignments, training, and coaching, VYP participants develop into the leaders of the future. Sjors’ experience at HBTR is a good example of this: learning on the job, making an impact, and growing as a professional.
