VYP at the most automated container terminal in Europe Jesper Bras (26) started the Venturn Young Professional (VYP) program in 2024. His first assignment took him to APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, where he is part of the heart of the operation: the Operations Execution department, until October 1. We spoke to Jesper about his background, his assignment, and the experiences he has gained so far at one of the most automated container terminals in the world.
The road to the maritime world
Jesper explains that the maritime world was mostly unfamiliar territory to him before he started at Venturn. However, he was already interested in the sector.
“In 2017, I wrote my profile assignment about the port of Rotterdam. From FutureLand, I looked out over APM Terminals – not knowing that eight years later I would be walking around that same terminal myself.”
APM Terminals Maasvlakte II
APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Jesper has now been fully immersed in the world of containers for ten months. And all this at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, one of the most automated terminals in the world. “Virtually all crane and transport movements are automated or remotely controlled. Autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and remotely controlled cranes ensure efficient and safe operations. “Virtually all crane and transport movements are automated or remotely controlled. Autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and remotely controlled cranes ensure efficient and safe container handling. It’s impressive to see every day how enormous container ships are unloaded by someone who isn’t sitting in the crane but simply using a joystick from the office.”
The Operations Execution department
Jesper works in the Operations Execution department, a team consisting of five shifts that is responsible for keeping the terminal running 24/7. Under the supervision of the Head of Operations, he carries out a variety of tasks that contribute to daily operations. The department is responsible for managing and monitoring daily operations—from the moment a container arrives until it leaves for the hinterland.
“What I find special about this department is the intensive collaboration. You work continuously with colleagues from planning, Asset Management, IT, and Safety. Because the operation continues non-stop, communication is crucial. You learn to switch gears quickly and deal with dependencies. It’s a nice mix of planning and making immediate adjustments when reality turns out differently than expected.”
Improvements to the basis of the operation
In his role as Operations Associate, Jesper focuses on identifying and reducing waste in operations. This makes his role broad and varied.
“An important project was the introduction of a new meeting cadence within the department. Together with the Lean team, I set up a format with daily stand-ups and cross-functional meetings. Using lean tools, we are better able to identify bottlenecks and continuously work on process improvement. This allows us to serve our customers, such as Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, even more efficiently.”
In addition to this structural improvement process, Jesper has been able to supervise two Kaizens. This methodology, which originates from Japanese management thinking, focuses on continuous improvement through small, step-by-step changes. By involving employees from different teams, processes are made smarter and more effective.
Learning on the quay
Not all of Jesper’s work takes place behind his desk. He really got to know the operation on the quay. “A good example of this is a project in which I mapped out the operating time of a stacker turner. A stacker turner places stackers in containers so that these containers can be secured on board. Using a stopwatch and notebook, we observed and analyzed all the operations and then validated them with data. The results were incorporated into a dashboard that allows us to monitor whether the standards are being met. Thanks to this project, I gained a unique insight into the daily work and worked closely with colleagues from different teams.”
What struck Jesper most during his assignment was his colleagues’ willingness to contribute ideas. Although he has only been working in the sector for a short time, they take the time to explain processes and actively contribute ideas about possible improvements.
In addition to his regular projects, Jesper also works on many ad hoc projects that arise from the daily hustle and bustle of the operation. This combination has taught him to remain flexible and to switch gears quickly, without losing sight of his ongoing projects.
Knowledge gained from the traineeship
Jesper derives great value from the VYP traineeship, applying the knowledge and skills he has acquired on a daily basis in his work. “The training courses we attend twice a month focus on both hard and soft skills and can be directly applied in our work. For example:
- Project management (IPMA-D): this method, including obtaining my certificate, has helped me to better engage stakeholders and manage projects successfully.
- Lean training: this enabled me to set up the new meeting cadence and lead Kaizen workshops.
- Time management: practical tools from this training help me to combine projects with the ad hoc tasks that are part of a dynamic operation.”
What’s next?
Looking ahead, Jesper says that there is still so much to discover in the container world. “The impressive ships, cranes, and processes continue to fascinate me. For my next assignment, I hope to get to know another link in this logistics chain so that I can understand the entire process even better. In any case, this experience at APM Terminals has given me a solid foundation for the future in this maritime supply chain.”
