Read the story of
Menno - Offshore Construction Manager
Read the story of
Menno - Offshore Construction Manager
With a father working as a Chief Engineer in the offshore industry, seafaring was instilled in Menno from an early age. "As a child, we sometimes secretly tagged along on a large supplier vessel or spent weekends on board, so life at sea was not unfamiliar to me," he says with a laugh. Although a regular career as a seafarer was not possible due to a degree of color blindness, that didn't stop Menno from pursuing the offshore industry anyway. After completing his education in Civil Engineering, he ended up at Van Oord in 2007 via a secondment agency. "During my job interview, the question was: 'Do you mind being on board ships all over the world?' My answer was simple: that is exactly what I want." He has now been working for Van Oord for almost twenty years and is part of the core of their offshore operations.
With a father working as a Chief Engineer in the offshore industry, seafaring was instilled in Menno from an early age. "As a child, we sometimes secretly tagged along on a large supplier vessel or spent weekends on board, so life at sea was not unfamiliar to me," he says with a laugh. Although a regular career as a seafarer was not possible due to a degree of color blindness, that didn't stop Menno from pursuing the offshore industry anyway. After completing his education in Civil Engineering, he ended up at Van Oord in 2007 via a secondment agency. "During my job interview, the question was: 'Do you mind being on board ships all over the world?' My answer was simple: that is exactly what I want." He has now been working for Van Oord for almost twenty years and is part of the core of their offshore operations.
As an Offshore Construction Manager (OCM), Menno directs complex offshore wind and pipeline projects. He manages operations involving impressive installation vessels like the Aeolus and the latest addition, the Boreas. "My workday revolves mainly around communication. You are the connecting point between the ship, the office teams, subcontractors, and the client," Menno explains. Daily, he consults with the captain, the superintendents leading the 24-hour operation, and the project office. "It is essential that everyone is on the same page and that all information is shared at the right time."
Massive projects, extreme conditions
The projects Menno works on have grown enormously over the years. "The ships are getting bigger, the teams are getting bigger, and the stakes are increasing," he says. However, one of his fondest memories is of a relatively small but incredibly challenging project about 15 years ago. "We had to install two meteorological masts in the North Sea. We spent ten weeks with a small team on a primitive barge with legs. The weather conditions were not great, but we all went for it and delivered the result. You never forget that survival feeling and that team spirit."
As an Offshore Construction Manager (OCM), Menno directs complex offshore wind and pipeline projects. He manages operations involving impressive installation vessels like the Aeolus and the latest addition, the Boreas. "My workday revolves mainly around communication. You are the connecting point between the ship, the office teams, subcontractors, and the client," Menno explains. Daily, he consults with the captain, the superintendents leading the 24-hour operation, and the project office. "It is essential that everyone is on the same page and that all information is shared at the right time."
Massive projects, extreme conditions
The projects Menno works on have grown enormously over the years. "The ships are getting bigger, the teams are getting bigger, and the stakes are increasing," he says. However, one of his fondest memories is of a relatively small but incredibly challenging project about 15 years ago. "We had to install two meteorological masts in the North Sea. We spent ten weeks with a small team on a primitive barge with legs. The weather conditions were not great, but we all went for it and delivered the result. You never forget that survival feeling and that team spirit."
Honesty and teamwork
Within his projects, Menno attaches enormous value to honesty and a good working relationship. "You spend weeks together on board; you see your colleagues more often than your own partner. It is important to be yourself and not play a role. As a manager, you have to be honest when something goes wrong, but I also expect my team to dare to say that to me."
After almost twenty years, Menno still looks positively at Van Oord as an employer. "Everything is arranged incredibly well for you. Especially when you are on board, the only thing you have to do is work. The rest is taken care of." But what really makes Van Oord special to him is how the organization handles personal circumstances. "If there is an emergency at home, everything is done to get you home as quickly as possible. The team covers for you together. That gives a very safe feeling and ensures that everyone is always willing to go the extra mile for each other."
Advice for starters
Menno’s philosophy for a successful career in the offshore industry is clear: "Don't say 'no', but take on every challenge, even if you think it's not immediately for you. You always learn something, you meet new people, and you become more broadly employable. Don't focus too much on quick promotions or on what others are doing. If you show that you are open to challenges and want to work hard, you will naturally get much further. Once you get the hang of keeping all those different stakeholders, from the client to the ship's crew, satisfied, it gives you a huge kick."
Honesty and teamwork
Within his projects, Menno attaches enormous value to honesty and a good working relationship. "You spend weeks together on board; you see your colleagues more often than your own partner. It is important to be yourself and not play a role. As a manager, you have to be honest when something goes wrong, but I also expect my team to dare to say that to me."
After almost twenty years, Menno still looks positively at Van Oord as an employer. "Everything is arranged incredibly well for you. Especially when you are on board, the only thing you have to do is work. The rest is taken care of." But what really makes Van Oord special to him is how the organization handles personal circumstances. "If there is an emergency at home, everything is done to get you home as quickly as possible. The team covers for you together. That gives a very safe feeling and ensures that everyone is always willing to go the extra mile for each other."
Advice for starters
Menno’s philosophy for a successful career in the offshore industry is clear: "Don't say 'no', but take on every challenge, even if you think it's not immediately for you. You always learn something, you meet new people, and you become more broadly employable. Don't focus too much on quick promotions or on what others are doing. If you show that you are open to challenges and want to work hard, you will naturally get much further. Once you get the hang of keeping all those different stakeholders, from the client to the ship's crew, satisfied, it gives you a huge kick."
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
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