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Netherlands Branch Launch

Posted on Friday, November 15, 2019

On 31st of October 2019, the new Netherlands branch was launched in Rotterdam, proudly becoming the 26th branch in the Institute network.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers' Senior Officers along with Fellows, Members, and friends from the local shipping community gathered together for the official launch. The celebration took place at the Royal Maas Yacht Club close to where the development branch has hosted their meetings over the past 5 years and was supported by Friday & Co. Shipbrokers who generously part-sponsored the event.


The opening of a new branch is a special event that doesn't happen every year. The last branch opening was Bulgaria in 2013. This represents the continued growth of the Institute network and also the greater number of students and shipping professionals choosing the standards set by the Institute.

A few words...

During the event, the Netherlands branch chairman, Austin Dooley, thanked everyone for joining and anyone who helped the committee on their journey so far. He also introduced his committee members and outlined their plans for the future, including activities to encourage more members to get involved in the committee.

Netherlands 1

Robert Hill, Head of Membership, addressed the obligations of being a member of the Institute and the responsibilities of a branch, while also referring to the inaugural Institute meeting in 1911 to remind the committee of their purpose and objectives: "To consider all questions affecting the interests of persons engaged in the business of shipbrokers or on other trades, businesses or commercial interests connected therewith, and to take such action as may be necessary to promote all such interests.'

Richard Brook-Hart, chairman of the Membership Committee gave an inspiring speech where he left the audience with some life lessons he has picked up over his 50 years in business, including "Have Integrity. Don't be as concerned with your reputation as much as with your character. Who you really are".

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The branch was then toasted by all in attendance and the celebrations continued with lively discussion and debate late into the evening.

Although the Netherlands is now the youngest branch, its local members have a wealth of experience and this combination is proving to be key for a dynamic and modern branch. The local team has worked incredibly hard to get to this point and their enthusiasm has never wavered. Long may it continue, because the celebrations have now come to end, but for this branch, it's really just the beginning.

Please get in touch directly with the Netherlands branch to offer any words of advice or encouragement, the committee would be delighted to hear from you.

A special note to Members in the Netherlands and Belgium region who wish to keep up to date on the news and events of this branch, please also contact the Netherlands branch committee directly: netherlands@ics.org.uk

Your 2019/2020 Netherlands Branch Committee

Austin Dooley - Chairman

Rod Schlick - Vice Chairman

Joanne Kelleher

Abhishek Nair

Peter Molloy

Jeroen Visser

Leon van Duivendijk

Anna Grajek

Jeroen Herders

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