Pieter van Oord praises the industry’s great adaptability during online Annual General Meeting

20-11-2020 IRO news

Pieter van Oord praises the industry’s great adaptability during online Annual General Meeting

On Thursday 19 November 2020 the IRO General Members Meeting took place online, facilitated by Damen Shipyards in Gorinchem. The main items on the agenda were:

  • financial presentation: 2019 result – 2020 forecast – 2021 budget
  • resigning board members Jan-Piet Baars (Vroon), Peter de Bruijne (Paragon, Borr Drilling)
  • reappointment of Mark Heine (Fugro)
  • call for a new board member from the SME category

In his annual speech, IRO chairman Pieter van Oord emphasised that the industry is facing major challenges, partly due to COVID-19. Despite this fact, the industry is characterised by great and not to be underestimated adaptability. For example, offshore wind offers a beacon of tranquility and also a market of growth in turbulent times. In addition, the role of fossil energy is far from over and the role of gas in the energy transition is only increasing. He therefore called on IRO members to have confidence and to brave the storm: “Together we will put our shoulders to the wheel!”

After the formal part, host Arnout Damen took over. He gave a presentation about the rich history and developments within the family business. Finally, Sophie van Zanten, chairman of Young IRO, gave a summary of the activities of Young IRO in 2020 and made an appeal for more female Board members within Young IRO.

Pieter closed the meeting, thanked the participants and expressed his hope to be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of IRO in good health in 2021.