HAL Appoints Hassing Director of European Nautical Operations

Holland America Line Names Sibrand Hassing to Director, Nautical Operations Europe
Hassing is to be based in the company’s Rotterdam office

Sibrand Haasing

Seattle, Wash., Oct. 17, 2013 — Holland America Line has appointed Sibrand Hassing to director, nautical operations Europe, based in the company’s Rotterdam office in the Netherlands. In this role, he will be responsible for the safe operation and nautical oversight of the premium cruise line’s 15 Netherlands-flagged ships and act as a local liaison with the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI), which has oversight for ships registered in the Netherlands.

Hassing will report to Cees Deelstra, vice president, nautical operations. He is taking over from Leo Dobber, who is retiring after 10 years with Holland America Line.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Sibrand’s deep maritime experience and policy background on our team,” said Dan Grausz, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, fleet operations. “Leo Dobber has done an exemplary job ensuring that Holland America Line maintains strong and effective partnerships with regulatory authorities in the Netherlands. With Sibrand’s extensive knowledge, he will be able to continue and build upon these important relationships.”

Hassing joined the Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment (formerly the Ministry of Transport) in 1992, most recently serving as senior policy advisor for the division of shipping and security. During his tenure there, Hassing was involved in many policy issues, including International Safety Maritime Code, air emissions, navigation safety, Port State Control and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. He also was a regular participant at International Maritime Organization meetings and served as delegation head on several occasions.

In 2010, Hassing served as vice chair of the STCW meetings in Manila, Philippines, where a significant number of amendments were adopted to improve processes and safety. As an IMO lead auditor Hassing participated in compliance audits for IMO member states.

Hassing has more than 10 years of deck officer experience, including time with Incotrans, the former Holland America Line cargo department, and aboard various LASH, offshore supply, container and ro-ro ships, where he rose to the rank of chief mate.


Source: Holland America Line