Holland America Line has announced which senior officers will be aboard its new ship, the Rotterdam, when it is delivered in July 2021.
Captain Kevin Beirnaert, hotel manager Wessel van Oorschot, chief engineer Peter Massolt, chief engineer Wim Ackerman and environmental specialist Michael Brown have been appointed to the board. The officers will lead the various teams on board the Rotterdam.
Dutch America has already announced that Captain Werner Timmers will be at the helm in Rotterdam. The ship, with a gross tonnage of 99,500, is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, Italy.
“Holland America Line has a strong foundation of exceptional leaders with experience in delivering new ships, and these team members bring years of experience, knowledge and dedication to our brand,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.
“As we head towards completion this summer, this team will be responsible for getting the ship ready to receive guests and ensuring we have a welcome addition to the crew. We know they will rise to the challenge and we congratulate them on their appointment.”
Senior Captain Kevin Beirnaert
Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert (photo courtesy of Holland America).
Kevin Beirnaert joined Holland America in 2006 and has worked on the ships Rotterdam, Eurodam, Nieuwe Amsterdam, Koningsdam and Nieuwe Statendam, where he recently took over as captain.
A native of Ghent, Belgium, Bernert studied at the Higher Maritime School in Antwerp, Belgium, where he earned a Master’s degree in maritime sciences. As a cadet and junior officer, he began his career on an Ecuadorian liner and dredged in Dubai on the Palm Humeira project before joining Holland America.
He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Director of Hotel Wessel van Oorschot
Hotel manager Wessel van Oorschot (Photo courtesy of Holland America)
Since joining Holland America in 2005, Wessel van Oorschot has progressed from assistant maître d’hôtel to hotel manager. Van Oorschot studied hotel management at the hotel school Ter Duinen in Belgium and the Baronie College in the Netherlands and started his career at Holland America as an intern.
The Rotterdam will be the fourth ship he will commission with the shipping company, following the Nieuw Statendam, the Koningsdam and the Nieuw Amsterdam.
When not on board, Mr. van Oorschot lives in the Philippines with his wife, who is a ship’s doctor with Holland America.
READ MORE: Behind the scenes of shipbuilding in Rotterdam [PHOTOS].
Chief Engineer Peter Massolt
Chief Engineer Peter Massolt (Photo courtesy of Holland America)
Peter Massolt, a Dutchman from Drachten in the province of Friesland, worked for Holland America for a total of 19 years, from 1980 to 1987 and again since 2008. During that period he worked on the ss and ms Rotterdam, Ryndam, Prinsendam, Statendam, Veendam, Volendam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Nieuw Statendam.
Massolt earned a degree in maritime engineering from the Willem Barents Naval Institute.
In his spare time he enjoys restoring Land Rovers, camping and aerial acrobatics. He speaks Dutch, English, German and Frisian.
Chief Engineer Wim Ackerman
Wim Ackerman joined Holland America in 1994 after training on reefer vessels. Ackerman, who grew up in the small village of Nederhorst den Berg (Netherlands), went to the Naval College in Seevart and became a naval officer, but chose the technical route.
Michael Brown, Head of Environment
Michael Brown, environmental manager (Photo courtesy of Holland America)
Michael Brown is originally from Panama, where he still lives, and joined Holland America in 2016. Previously, he worked as a marine engineer in the cruise industry.
Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Maritima International University in Panama. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Maritima International University.
When not working, he likes to spend time with his friends and watch movies.
About Rotterdam
The Rotterdam is the third ship in the Pinnacle class, accommodates 2,668 passengers and features the proven equipment and innovations that distinguish her sister ships. This is the seventh ship named Rotterdam for Holland America and the 17th to be built for the line by Italian shipyard Fincantieri.
After its maiden voyage to Rotterdam, which begins on August 1, 2021, the ship will spend its first summer season in Northern Europe.
PLUS : Holland America announces major voyages for 2022 and 2023
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