Brabo

“At the Delwaide Dock, maritime traffic became more and more intense. Our crane operators reported that the situation was becoming dangerous. We started talking to Brabo and in no time at all we co-developed an efficient communications system between pilot and crane operator.”

“I have nothing but praise for Brabo. Their people are professional, they think and act pragmatically, which makes them very pleasant to work with. The main advantage is that the management knows the work on the ground inside and out. The CEO still pilots ships himself, he knows exactly what he’s talking about. That goes for everyone at Brabo, and it makes many things and conversations a lot easier.””

“Via our representatives in the Board of Directors, we can give the management input from the shop floor to help improve things. We are all shareholders and in that sense very consciously committed to our jobs. I’d never want to work anywhere else.”

““As a shipping agent, it’s crucial for us to be able to count on pilots and boatmen being there on time. Without Brabo, we couldn’t actually do our jobs.””

““A large shipowner once asked if the Port of Antwerp could handle ships up to 366 metres in length behind the locks. The port’s official position was that it couldn’t be done. A pity, because potential customers would look to other ports. Brabo made it possible! Based on simulations, we were able to show that such ships could indeed be handled here.””

““The importance of the Port of Antwerp for the economy of Flanders, Belgium and Europe cannot be underestimated. Smooth mooring and unmooring of ships is as essential as loading and unloading.””

““The cooperative structure is a remnant from the past, but at the same time it holds prospects for the future. Co-ownership motivates and encourages people to do a good job together. Employees become co-owners. Based on that structure, we can grow into a powerful company armed for the challenges of the future.””

““We make sure that ships calling at the port arrive at their berths in the quickest, smoothest and safest way possible. We therefore support the loading and unloading activities in the port and all of the associated economic activities. We play a key operational role. We have grown in our field, gaining unique expertise, and we also invest heavily in training, support, logistics, etc. Because we believe that it’s the right thing to do (and we prove it every day in practice).””

““Brabo plays a key operational role in the Port of Antwerp.””

““Brabo is a vital player for us. I’m especially pleased with their services. The standard of dock pilot training is very high.””

““Every oil spill is different. So you need to look at each case individually and discuss the best possible solution with the dock master for emergencies and the incident coordinator.””

“The mutual trust between Brabo and Kotug Smit is the ideal basis for fruitful cooperation.”