Dionne Ruurda will start her role as the new director of the Amsterdam IJmuiden Offshore Ports (AYOP) on 1 September. With many years of experience in the offshore sector behind her, Ruurda is already very familiar with the association. “I am really looking forward to working with the members and AYOP team to further stimulate the energy transition. AYOP has developed into a proactive, dynamic and close-knit association over the past years and I’m honoured to continue and expand on this path.”
Dionne Ruurda has previously worked as a communication advisor and project manager with companies such as Tata Steel, Citymarketing Velsen and Techport – all positions in which networking with and connecting people and organisations played a major role. Peter van de Meerakker, the new chair of AYOP since June and general director of Zeehaven IJmuiden NV comments: “We are delighted that Dionne is joining us and contributing so much relevant experience and knowledge. She is familiar with many of our members, their needs and the industry as a whole. Although the Dutch government’s goals for the growth of renewable energy at sea are very ambitious, we’re convinced we can realise them. After all, the North Sea Canal region is the best developed of all offshore regions.”
AYOP has over 120 members; all companies, regional government bodies and research/education institutes active in offshore oil & gas and the wind energy sector in the North Sea Canal region. They are very focused on offshore wind maintenance (including cable logistics), drilling projects for gas exploration, changes to and maintenance of work vessels and platforms, and the decommissioning of offshore structures and vessels. Other members of the association include service providers, HR firms and companies providing facility services.
“AYOP is unique in the way it represents the entire chain,” says Ruurda. “The members know each other very well, both from doing business together and by the way they join forces and knowledge to better highlight the North Sea Canal region. The network offers our region a significant advantage and a wide range of opportunities.”