Berte Simons Appointed COO Of Port Authority Of Rotterdam

The Port Authority of Rotterdam has appointed Berte Simons as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a four-year term. The decision was made by the Port Authority’s shareholders, including the municipality of Rotterdam and the Dutch national government, following a recommendation by the Supervisory Board.

Leadership Expertise

Berte Simons is recognized for her extensive expertise as a marine engineer, bringing a wealth of international experience in leading large-scale infrastructure projects. Her background includes work in ports, industrial areas, and complex infrastructure initiatives—skills the Port Authority deems essential for the successful transition to a fossil-free and circular port.

Koos Timmermans, Chair of the Supervisory Board, commented on the appointment:

“The Supervisory Board is pleased that Berte Simons wants to bring her extensive expertise to the Port Authority. She brings with her international experience in leading large-scale and complex infrastructure projects in ports and industrial areas, the knowledge and experience we need for a successful and coordinated transition to a fossil-free and circular port.”

Career Path and Achievements

Berte Simons’ career journey includes:

• 2003-2006: Policy officer at North Sea Port
• 2006-2021: Held multiple management positions at Royal HaskoningDHV, where she led international projects in the mining, heavy industry, aviation, and maritime sectors
• Currently: Director of the CO2 Storage & Transport Systems business unit at Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), where she plays an integral role in the Porthos project, a major initiative focused on CO2 storage and transport, developed in collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Gasunie, and EBN

Vision for the Future

Berte Simons expressed her enthusiasm for taking on the role of COO at the Port Authority:

“In the role of COO of the Port Authority, everything comes together for me. The port is a place that is constantly changing and connected to the whole world. A place where the activities of industry, logistics, and the living environment come together. I look forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders to contribute to the sustainable development of the port in harmony with the environment.”

Her appointment marks a significant step in the ongoing transformation of the Port of Rotterdam as it strives for a sustainable, circular, and fossil-free future. Simons’ leadership will be instrumental in coordinating efforts to meet the port’s environmental and industrial goals.