Read the story of
Kevin - Hydrodynamic Engineer
Read the story of
Kevin - Hydrodynamic Engineer
With a background in civil engineering and a passion for offshore challenges, Kevin van de Leur joined Van Oord in 2011. Over the years, he has grown from trainee engineer into manager of the Hydrodynamic Engineering team, focusing on vessel motions, offshore energy projects and technical innovation. After nearly 15 years, he’s still excited about the opportunities Van Oord offers, from building pioneering teams to delivering projects that push the boundaries of offshore engineering.
With a background in civil engineering and a passion for offshore challenges, Kevin van de Leur joined Van Oord in 2011. Over the years, he has grown from trainee engineer into manager of the Hydrodynamic Engineering team, focusing on vessel motions, offshore energy projects and technical innovation. After nearly 15 years, he’s still excited about the opportunities Van Oord offers, from building pioneering teams to delivering projects that push the boundaries of offshore engineering.
I joined Van Oord in 2011, right after my studies in Delft. I had always known I wanted to work in the dredging and offshore world, so starting as a trainee in engineering felt like the perfect fit. My first year was focused on wave climate studies, and step by step I moved into vessel motion analysis, offshore pipeline installation and then offshore wind. Today, I’m part of the Offshore Energy business unit, where I’ve built and led our hydrodynamic engineering team.
Engineering impact offshore
My work has always revolved around vessel motions. Before we go offshore, we need to prove that our operations can be carried out safely in certain sea states. That means a lot of preparation onshore, followed by offshore rotations where I work with the crew. Having been offshore many times, I’ve developed a gut feeling that helps me quickly assess whether a calculation or design makes sense. Sometimes that’s enough, other times it tells me to dig deeper. That balance between analysis and experience is what makes this work so rewarding.
I joined Van Oord in 2011, right after my studies in Delft. I had always known I wanted to work in the dredging and offshore world, so starting as a trainee in engineering felt like the perfect fit. My first year was focused on wave climate studies, and step by step I moved into vessel motion analysis, offshore pipeline installation and then offshore wind. Today, I’m part of the Offshore Energy business unit, where I’ve built and led our hydrodynamic engineering team.
Engineering impact offshore
My work has always revolved around vessel motions. Before we go offshore, we need to prove that our operations can be carried out safely in certain sea states. That means a lot of preparation onshore, followed by offshore rotations where I work with the crew. Having been offshore many times, I’ve developed a gut feeling that helps me quickly assess whether a calculation or design makes sense. Sometimes that’s enough, other times it tells me to dig deeper. That balance between analysis and experience is what makes this work so rewarding.
Leading with trust
For the past years, I’ve managed a team of more than 20 hydrodynamic engineers. My role is twofold: supporting their professional development and making sure our technical deliverables meet the highest standards. I’m not a micromanager. I believe in giving people responsibility and space. If someone needs to take their kids to school or prefers to work in the evening, that’s fine with me. What matters is that deadlines are met and we support each other. That approach keeps the team relaxed, motivated and willing to step in for one another.
Why I’m still here
After nearly 15 years, people sometimes ask me why I’ve stayed at Van Oord. The truth is, there’s always a new challenge. When I had learned enough about pipeline installation, I could move into offshore wind. When that became more established, dredging drew me back in. Van Oord gives you endless opportunities, from offshore rotations to project teams to commercial positions. You never stop growing here.
Proud
I’m proud of the projects we’ve delivered, from our first floating installation with a jack-up back in 2017 to more recent achievements in the US. But what I’m most proud of is the team itself. With the right spirit, trust and freedom, we’ve built something that’s more than just technical expertise. We’ve built resilience, and that makes me excited for what comes next.
Leading with trust
For the past years, I’ve managed a team of more than 20 hydrodynamic engineers. My role is twofold: supporting their professional development and making sure our technical deliverables meet the highest standards. I’m not a micromanager. I believe in giving people responsibility and space. If someone needs to take their kids to school or prefers to work in the evening, that’s fine with me. What matters is that deadlines are met and we support each other. That approach keeps the team relaxed, motivated and willing to step in for one another.
Why I’m still here
After nearly 15 years, people sometimes ask me why I’ve stayed at Van Oord. The truth is, there’s always a new challenge. When I had learned enough about pipeline installation, I could move into offshore wind. When that became more established, dredging drew me back in. Van Oord gives you endless opportunities, from offshore rotations to project teams to commercial positions. You never stop growing here.
Proud
I’m proud of the projects we’ve delivered, from our first floating installation with a jack-up back in 2017 to more recent achievements in the US. But what I’m most proud of is the team itself. With the right spirit, trust and freedom, we’ve built something that’s more than just technical expertise. We’ve built resilience, and that makes me excited for what comes next.
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
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