Merel Wielenga (25) started the Venturn Young Professional program in March 2025. Meanwhile, Merel is already four months into her first assignment at North Sea Port. In this blog we look back on the first months with her.
About North Sea Port
North Sea Port is a cross-border port stretching from Vlissingen in the Netherlands to Gent in Belgium. The port has a key role in the European economy and is a major hub for logistics, industry and renewable energy. Because of the strategic location and direct connections to sea, rail, road and inland waterways, North Sea Port is an attractive location for hundreds of companies that operate here on a daily basis.
The Data Community project
At North Sea Port, Merel started in the Data Community project, an initiative that focuses on cooperation and knowledge exchange between different companies within the port region. The purpose of this project is to join forces around different domains, where a collective approach with a focus on digitization and data sharing is important. Data Community consists of two working groups: one dealing with security and safety, and one focusing on the nautical-logistics chain.
This structure allows them to be focused and thematic. In the working group on security, for example, they are investigating how they can work together to make the port safer. The nautical logistics working group is investigating how data exchange within chain processes, such as arrival times, loading and unloading information or traffic flow, can be better coordinated.
Merel’s role in the project
Merel’s role within this project is to support both working groups. Among other things, Merel takes care of preparing meetings, recording progress, collecting information and stimulating knowledge exchange between the parties involved. The expected result of this assignment is a clear report with recommendations on how to further strengthen the cooperation within the Data Community, and how to take concrete steps towards better data exchange in the port.
To accomplish this, Merel takes several steps. She conducts interviews with participants from the port companies, prepares presentations, prepares questionnaires, and analyzes the input gathered. She also works closely with colleagues from other departments within North Sea Port.
“This cooperation is very pleasant: everyone is involved and willing to think along.”
Working and learning with the VYP traineeship
The trainings from the VYP traineeship have been extremely valuable for Merel’s project. In particular, the IPMA-D project management training at the beginning of the program helped Merel structure her approach. Concepts such as phasing, risk analysis and stakeholder management came back not only in theory, but also directly in practice with her assignment.
“It is educational to be able to discuss your own examples during the training sessions and learn from the experiences of the other trainees.”
A valuable insight for Merel is that project-based work is not about one fixed approach, but rather about being able to switch depending on the context. She also learned the importance of clear communication, especially when working with many different parties who all have their own interests and expectations.
The VYP traineeship offers Merel the opportunity to combine substantive knowledge with personal growth. She is looking forward to delving further into data, collaboration, and port development in the coming period.
