Posted on October 8, 2025
A win-win for young people and for the port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Sea Ranger Service are starting a special three-year collaboration. Harbour Master René de Vries and Wietse van der Werf (founder and CEO of the Sea Ranger Service) signed an agreement for this purpose. It will allow young people to take their first steps towards a maritime career and learn more about the port of Rotterdam.
In the spring of this year, the parties agreed that the Sea Ranger Service will work in the port of Rotterdam on assignments to support the transition to a climate-neutral port. This cooperation has now been officially sealed. The first project the Sea Rangers will undertake involves documenting plastic litter in the port of Rotterdam.
The Sea Ranger Service provides maritime training, employment and coaching opportunities for youth in coastal areas. At the same time, it provides offshore services to help governments manage, conserve and restore oceans. Since the foundation of the Sea Ranger Service in 2016, more than two hundred young people aged 18 to 29 have participated in the programme. Half of them actually went on to work in the maritime sector.
‘A real win-win’
Harbour Master René de Vries is looking forward to the collaboration. ‘The mission and message of the Sea Ranger Service are completely aligned with the purpose of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: Connecting the world. Building tomorrow’s sustainable port. In addition, it’s fantastic to help young people learn more about working in the port of Rotterdam and in nautical services.’
Wietse van der Werf, founder and CEO of the Sea Ranger Service, says: ‘This unique collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam Authority offers young people the opportunity to discover the port of Rotterdam up close and to take their first steps towards a maritime career. As full-time Sea Rangers, they will also do work that will contribute towards a more sustainable port. Gaining work experience while also creating an impact on the future: that’s a real win-win.’
Christening a new work vessel in Rotterdam
In April, Her Majesty Queen Máxima christened the SRS Janet Taylor, the Sea Ranger Service’s new sailing work vessel. The event took place at the Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam. This ‘small vessel with a big mission’ will enable the Sea Rangers to make big strides in the coming years with their commitment to employment and nature conservation.
Queen Máxima christened the new ship of the Sea Ranger Service in April. Photo: Sea Ranger Service.
