He travels the world over for TOS. He is the contact person for both the ship delivery crew and the client. He takes care of the final details on location, readying each vessel to sail home to its new port. We are talking about Bert Timmers, Senior Consultant Divison Ship Management at TOS. Once the preparations for ship delivery at the office are complete (from quotation to assignment and the necessary paperwork), Bert gets to work doing what he does best. Responding to the call of the unknown: What you will encounter, what will be waiting for you, which final wrinkles will need to be ironed out, making sure the ship and her crew will have sufficient fuel and provisions for a safe and timely ‘push off’.
Bert (in the middle) and the ship delivery crew
Team spirit
We asked Bert how he describes his work to others. When he’s not on the job, Bert keeps it simple: ‘managing projects’. Or the even simpler pub version: ‘something with boats’. It’s another matter for those also in the maritime sector. Then Bert tells enthusiastically of great projects and the team spirit needed to ready the vessel in record time. The solutions you come up with as a team to deal with the problems that come up and to really go for it TOGETHER.
Bert explains: ‘When we get to the location, we first grab a coffee and walk with the local guys around the vessel. Together with the captain and the engineer, we make a note of the things that need to be done and get to work with the team. Since each ship delivery crew is put together from a fixed pool, you regularly see familiar faces for the different deliveries. There is more and more recognition and appreciation for everyone’s specific qualities. Soon enough, the team begins sharing big stories and a sense of humor, adding to the team feeling. That’s really important for traveling the seas of the world with a small crew. It’s a fantastic feeling!’
Future outlook
Bert wants to see as much of the world as possible. And he will! Working in the maritime sector is of course a great way to make that dream come true. After completing his studies, he sailed as maritime officer for various captains/ship owners and as a mechanic for Stena Line. Now he has been working for some time as Consultant Ship Delivery with TOS. Travelling is in his genes. You won’t find him at a luxury resort or peaceful, sandy white beach, but rather out exploring other walks of life. Enjoying the atmosphere of daily life and the people that work in the towns he visits. Bert: ‘I think it’s great to see how and in which different circumstances people can be happy.’
Bert expects the number of ship deliveries to continue to grow, as it has in previous years. More deliveries, of course, mean more travelling and more practical experience. Bert: ‘Our office crew and the ship delivery crew are held in high regards, I notice that with every delivery. With thorough preparation, industry know-how and daily reporting, our clients have confidence in the work we deliver.’
Malaysia, Australia and Antarctica continue to be destinations on Bert’s wish list. Of course he can always visit there on holidays, but if you want to ship a vessel from these countries (or any other country, for that matter), then Bert Timmers is the man for the job!