The Port of Rotterdam Authority has announced that Berte Simons will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) starting January 1, 2025, succeeding Boudewijn Siemons, who temporarily held the position after stepping in as interim COO in February. This appointment, endorsed by the Authority’s shareholders, places Simons on the Executive Board alongside Siemons, now CEO, and CFO Vivienne de Leeuw.
Simons, whose four-year term is backed by the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Dutch national government, brings a substantial portfolio of experience to the position. Her career began in 2003 at North Sea Port, where she served as a policy officer, setting the foundation for her future roles in infrastructure project management. She later held leadership positions with Royal HaskoningDHV, a global consulting firm, where she managed high-profile projects spanning mining, heavy industry, aviation, and maritime sectors.
Most recently, Simons has served as Director of CO2 Storage & Transport Systems at Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), where she has been instrumental in initiatives focused on sustainability, particularly through the Porthos project. This ambitious undertaking, developed in partnership with the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Gasunie, aims to advance carbon storage solutions, a key element of the port’s shift towards sustainable practices.
The appointment comes as the Port of Rotterdam is deeply engaged in a transformation towards a fossil-free and circular economy, with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact while expanding operational capacities. According to Koos Timmermans, Chair of the Supervisory Board, Simons’ “extensive expertise as a marine engineer” and her history of managing “large-scale and complex infrastructure projects” make her ideally suited to guide the port through this critical period of change.
Simons herself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, highlighting the unique blend of industrial, logistical, and environmental elements that the Port of Rotterdam represents. “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,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to sustainable development and close collaboration with stakeholders to navigate the port’s evolving role in a global economy.
As Simons steps into her role, industry experts and local stakeholders will be watching closely to see how her leadership helps steer the Port of Rotterdam towards its long-term sustainability goals. Her experience with innovative carbon management projects and her extensive background in maritime engineering underscore her readiness to meet the complex demands of Europe’s largest port.
