WIND Group announces new COO

WIND Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Renier van den Bichelaer as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 1 February 2025. Renier will also join the WIND Group management board.

Last year, COO Robbert van Diepen expressed his intention to wind down his role. To ensure a smooth transition, he will gradually transfer his responsibilities to Renier. Robbert will remain with WIND as Director of Business Operations, overseeing Cable Recovery operations, SHEQ, contact for Cable Crew and internal projects.

Renier brings extensive leadership experience from Seaway7, Maersk, and Boskalis in the offshore energy and maritime sectors, with a strong background in project-based organisations. He will apply his sector expertise and people-oriented leadership to further optimise WIND’s operations, enhance safety and quality, and strengthen overall organisational performance.

Tom Nooij, CEO of WIND, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Renier to the WIND family as an important member of the team. His expertise will be invaluable as we advance our operations. I’m also grateful that Robbert will remain involved—he has been the operational backbone of this company and played a key role in securing our position as a leading subsea cable logistics business.”

Renier van den Bichelaer, added:
“I’m excited to join WIND and contribute to its continued growth. The company’s impressive operational expansion in recent years presents exciting opportunities ahead. I’m passionate about delivering successful projects, driving organisational growth, and prioritising employee safety and engagement. I look forward to getting started and collaborating with the team to achieve our goals.”

WIND helps to raise the bar

Wind is proud to support the next generation of high jumpers at the Klaverblad International High Jump Meeting! On September 15th, the 20th edition of this prestigious competition took place in Zoetermeer, bringing together high jump athletes from all over the world.

This is Wind’s first year sponsoring the Klaverblad International High Jump Meeting, but WIND’s René van Kessel has been an organiser for years, together with his son, who in the past has participated in the event as a high jumper.

By sponsoring this High Jump Meeting, Wind aims to support local community games but also encourage athletes from around the globe to visit the Netherlands and raise the level of competition here.

We’re excited to support this incredible event and the talented athletes from the Netherlands and all over the world and help motivate them to stay at the top of their game.

WIND takes on the Dam tot Dam Loop and Saxo FietsClassic for Support Casper!

We are on a mission to raise funds for the Support Casper Foundation, and we need your help! 🚴‍♂️🏃‍♀️

On Sunday, September 22nd, our dedicated team of cyclists and runners will participate in the Dam tot Dam Loop and the Saxo FietsClassic to support groundbreaking cancer research.

This year, we are proud to support scientific research into immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. This cause is close to our hearts, as Aniek, the daughter of our COO, Robbert van Diepen, is a medical researcher involved in this vital study.
The new therapy aims to enhance the patient’s immune system and builds on previous research conducted at Erasmus MC. This next phase is a collaborative effort with MUMC in Maastricht.We need your help to make this happen! Your support can contribute to the next phase of this crucial research, which requires significant funding.

If you are inspired by our mission and wish to donate, please visit the link here: https://www.supportcasper-acties.nl/teams/wind-worldwide-logistics-specialists-for-the-subsea-cable-industry

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. All funds raised by the WIND team will go directly to this research.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Latest update from Olympic sailor Roos Wind

Over the last couple of months, Roos has been working hard towards her Olympic goal…

Team WINDyFriday conquers yet another 24 Peaks Challenge

Sun, rain, hail, and…wind! The WINDyFriday team has conquered yet another 24 Peaks Challenge! ⛰️⛰️⛰️

 

Earlier this month, a group of our fittest colleagues from WIND and Friday & Co. Shipbrokers headed to the Peak District in the UK. Over 2 days, they covered 33 miles, tackled 24 peaks, and ascended a total of 13,000 feet.

All this was in support of The Seafarers’ Charity, dedicated to helping those who work at sea and their families.

This year’s challenge was marked by a mix of beautiful and harsh weather, creating a unique experience and the ultimate test of perseverance. The imposing mountains often left the group speechless, but the team spirit, stroopwafels, occasional sip of whiskey and the unlimited amount of poor jokes, made it feel like just a regular Sunday afternoon hike with friends (well, at some points!).

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the WINDyFriday team! There’s still time to donate to the fundraising page here: https://lnkd.in/ehnWET_U.

 

Your generosity is really appreciated 🙏

Who’s up for joining us or challenging us next year? It’s all for a great cause! 💪

WIND Group welcomes Draftec

WIND Group has announced that equipment engineering and manufacturing company Draftec will join the WIND family. Together, they will enhance the support and services provided to their shared clients in international offshore and renewable projects.

Draftec was founded in 2009 by Martijn Boone who, together with fellow Director Martijn Holtkamp, will continue to manage the company, bringing with them extensive experience in mechanical design, hydraulic and electrical systems and control system software and automation.

Over the years, Draftec has grown into a specialist system integrator and manufacturer of custom-designed, multi-disciplinary systems and mission equipment for sectors including offshore wind, marine & dredging and heavy lift. The company offers a comprehensive service covering everything from engineering to realisation and maintenance.

Tom Nooij, CEO of WIND, says, “We are delighted to welcome Draftec to the WIND Group. By bringing their skills and capabilities into the group we will be able to offer even more support to our clients’ projects. With Draftec available at our yards around the world, WIND is making another move towards supporting our clients from A to Z.”

Martijn Boone, MD of Draftec, says, “This is an exciting step forward for Draftec and takes us closer to our goal of being a worldwide innovative equipment supplier. Our companies’ common culture and values make this a logical move that holds great potential for the future. We are very much looking forward to being part of the WIND family and serving our shared clients.”

About WIND
WIND is the world leader in subsea cable logistics, cable recovery and related services to the offshore industry. With offices and yards in Europe, Asia and the USA, WIND unburdens its customers with innovative customer-oriented solutions.
WIND’s client base includes subsea cable manufacturers, subsea cable installation companies, EPIC contractors and utility companies. With a dedicated operations team and expert cable crew, their mission is to deliver a safe and cost-effective service characterised by trust and quality.

About Draftec
Draftec is an independent engineering and manufacturing company, founded in 2009. Since then, the company has grown into a specialized system integrator and manufacturer of custom-designed, multi-disciplinary systems and mission equipment for the heavy industries & offshore. Draftec has highly developed in-house knowledge in the fields of mechanical design, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and control system software and automation. www.draftec.nl

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency: WIND Prepares for Cable Load-Out to “Giant 7”

At WIND, safety is paramount.

In preparation for the first cable load-out to the crane vessel “Giant 7”…

There is a greener way to roll!

WIND Cable Services, TMA Logistics and Bredenoord have successfully conducted a trial – eliminating the use of…

Amazing Grace is ready for operations!

Thanks to BLRT REPAIR YARDS this ship has been converted from a general cargo vessel into…

WIND joins the IPF 2024 conference in New Orleans

WIND, a member of the Oceantic Network, will be attending the International Partnering Forum (IPF) in New Orleans from April 22-25. This year, WIND will collaborate with Rhode Island Commerce to showcase our ongoing activities at the Port of Providence with Waterson Terminal Services.

The International Partnering Forum (IPF) stands as the premier offshore wind energy conference in the Americas, hosted by the Oceantic Network. IPF provides a networking opportunity to connect global leaders and businesses in the supply chain, delivering relevant and important industry updates covering technology, policy, safety, and siting. Participating in IPF amid the rapid growth of offshore wind solidifies one’s leadership role within the industry.

The Oceantic Network, formerly known as the Business Network for Offshore Wind, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to informing, coordinating, and mobilising efforts to utilise the abundant offshore wind and renewable energy resources in the world’s oceans.

Additionally, WIND is a lead industry sponsor for the Rhode Island Reception, a VIP gathering of offshore wind industry leaders scheduled for Wednesday, April 24th. Co-sponsored by ProvPort and the Port of Davisville, the reception highlights Rhode Island’s unique value proposition as a hub for operations and maintenance, ports, and services in the North American offshore wind industry.

VIP Event

WHEN – Wednesday, April 24 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE  – Calcasieu Restaurant | 930 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans

RSVP – To help us maintain an accurate headcount, we ask you to please RSVP to William.Cox@CommerceRI.com by Monday, April 8.

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