Translation of an article/interview with Professor F. Smeele, as will shortly be published in the “Maritime & Offshore Krant”
Professor F. Smeele
Good news from the port front: there are strong signs that SmartPort, the virtual knowledge and expertise centre in the area of port research and education is not going to become a paper tiger. The late Professor Jo van Nunen, in his lifetime Professor of Logistics at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, was one of the founding fathers. He saw the port as a big research laboratory located in the back yard of Rotterdam and strived to get SmartPort of the ground. In this matter he neither lacked vision nor ambition. Jo van Nunen saw the Erasmus University as the key candidate for supplying knowledge to the port and as the institute par excellence for port related education.
The actual materialization of SmartPort was a long time coming. Last year things got going with the establishment of the scientific branch and the birth of the commercial branch. The Erasmus University endeavors to attach more social and economic value to port related research. A research agenda has been set and a multidisciplinary port master is being developed. Moreover, research contracts will be concluded with companies whereby specific research assignments will be realized versus payment. The knowledge developed through research at the university can find its way again to society. Financial support comes amongst others from the Port of Rotterdam, the Rotterdam council and Deltalinqs.
SmartPort has obtained a broad-line approach with the appointment of five port professors, originating from the Economics/Law/Social Sciences and Management faculties. One of these port professors is Dr. F.G.M. Smeele, Professor Commercial Law and formerly Professor Maritime Law at Erasmus University.
“Is one port professor not sufficient”? Professor Smeele: “One port professor would have to be the quintessential five-legged sheep. It would be impossible for one individual only to handle all the different factors within the port. At the moment about forty people are involved with SmartPort. Forces are joined to unlock port related knowledge and link with the demand for information. Matters like sustainability, innovation and accessibility are discussed at collective monthly community lunches.
Surprising enough the main problem the port faces is the acute shortage of qualified people. One of the causes, according to Professor Smeele, is the negative image stuck to working at the port. That negative feeling is still going strong amongst descendants from foreign dockworkers. Efforts should be made to change that negative image. In the past dockworkers would soon get physically worn out. Not so anymore with the current state of technology. The port needs well qualified young people who know how to handle equipment skillfully. We should be able to reach young people and stir up enthusiasm with them for working in the port.”
Would you like to learn more about what SmartPort does and/or can mean to your company or your trade association: Erasmus University will willingly give you a detailed account.
