Vopak is the main sponsor for four former students of Rotterdam’s Erasmus University who aim to cross the Atlantic Ocean within 55 days, in their rowing boat the Vopak Victory. This is a thrilling and exciting record attempt which reflects the philosophy of Vopak in every respect. In the words of Vopak’s John Paul Broeders: "We are sponsoring a team bursting with initiative, dedication and creativity".

For 108 years, the world record for the challenge of crossing the Atlantic Ocean without any motor assistance or sails has stood at 55 days. Four former students from Rotterdam’s Erasmus University have decided to do something about this situation, with their rowing boat. It may sound simple, but preparations for a record attempt of this kind are themselves a major challenge, before it is even possible to step on board. Not only the journey itself represents a tremendous physical challenge, that will also place the severest demands on the participants’ mental strengths, but even the preparation process is a titanic task.

Vopak spirit
Member of Vopak’s Executive Board, John Paul Broeders explained, "When we were asked to become main sponsors for the record attempt, we were immediately sold on the idea. The team, made up of Gijs Groeneveld, Robert Hoeve, Jaap Koomen and Maarten Staarink, demonstrates a spirit that matches the Vopak style. It is an extremely challenging objective, the project has international allure, and has been professionally organised with the assistance of a celebrated organisation in this field, the Ocean Rowing Society. Without an overdose of personal initiative, creativity and effort, such an attempt will never get off the ground, and the rowers will need to overcome the difficulties they will undoubtedly experience en route. All of these aspects are elements we come across in our work at Vopak. We are active worldwide in an environment that demands enthusiasm, effort and creativity. Equally, combined efforts and the calling in of the best external expertise on subjects we do not have experts for in-house, are also common practice at Vopak."

High-tech
During the record attempt, conditions and equipment must be at their very best. The rowers and their boat must be in perfect condition. The high-tech Vopak Victory was specially designed and built for this attempt, and as well as offering sufficient living space, also features reliable navigation and communication instruments to make the chances of success, and indeed survival, as great as possible. This record attempt is not without risk. Last January, during a training outing on the North Sea, the crew discovered just how dangerous when in high seas they had to call in the assistance of the Royal Netherlands Lifeboat Association, because the boat was threatening to collide with a pier in IJmuiden. Robert Hoeve has been appointed skipper. In Robert's own words, "We are all aware that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Physically and mentally, we will be pushed to the limits. It is all about the will to succeed and clear communication, not only between skipper and crew, but also between crew and skipper, and amongst the four team members. In the end, the record will be won or lost thanks to our team spirit. I also hope, however, that that same team spirit will help us long after this crossing to overcome other high waves, besides those on the Atlantic Ocean." Route