Theo Klimp appointed new Chairman KVNR

Theo Klimp of shipping company Royal Wagenborg was today appointed new chairman of the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR). During the general meeting of the shipowners' association in the Maas building of football stadium De Kuip, the man from Groningen took over the gavel from outgoing chairman Jan Valkier (shipping company Anthony Veder).

Under Valkier's chairmanship, the KVNR embarked on a path towards a more strategic course. Now that the chairmanship has passed to Theo, already closely involved in this process as vice-chairman, this line will be continued with an increasing focus on the position of Dutch shipowners in Europe.

KVNR president Annet Koster: ‘From Royal Wagenborg, Theo manages one of the most extensive merchant fleets we have in Dutch shipping. The shipping company has been globally active on salt water for more than 125 years. With a strong presence in European coastal shipping, the brand-new chairman is naturally well-equipped to strengthen our position in Europe. At the same time, of course, Europe cannot and should not be separated from the world stage. In this context, it is nice that the KVNR's presidency is being supplemented by board member Yntze Buitenwerf (Seatrade), who as of today assumes the role of vice-chairman. Seatrade is a global player in reefer and freezer shipping. Combined with the ECSA chairmanship filled by KVNR board member Karin Orsel (MF Shipping Group), it can be said that the KVNR is ready for a new step in Europe.’