ROTTERDAM, 7 November 2026 | The Port of Rotterdam may be known for its enormous container terminals, automated cranes and international shipping traffic, but behind all that machinery are the people who keep it running. One of them, 29-year-old terminal operator Wesley Schoemaker, has been named Rotterdam's Port Hero of 2026, receiving the Golden Bollard award for his dedication, resilience and commitment to his colleagues.
Image: Wesley Schoemaker celebrates receiving the Golden Bollard after being named Rotterdam's Port Hero of 2026. Photo: Bas Czerwinski.
Schoemaker received the award, known in Dutch as the Havenkanjer, from Rotterdam's port alderman Tim Versnel during a ceremony aboard the ss Rotterdam on Friday 6 November.
Recognising the people behind Rotterdam's port
The Havenkanjer award celebrates the people working behind the scenes in Europe's largest seaport. Rather than recognising senior executives or major investment projects, it focuses on employees whose practical skills, dedication to safety and willingness to help others make a difference in their everyday working environment.
The award is organised by the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Deltalinqs and Havenvereniging Rotterdam.
Introduced in 2025, the award is now in its second year. An independent jury selected five finalists from across the port industry before choosing Schoemaker as this year's winner.
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A terminal operator who leads by example
Schoemaker has worked for several years as a terminal operator at Hutchison Ports Delta II, where he is known as a reliable colleague who takes pride in his work and helps others develop their skills.
His supervisors describe him as someone who approaches challenges with determination and takes responsibility for the people around him. His perseverance during a difficult period in his personal life also impressed the jury.
For alderman Tim Versnel, Schoemaker represents the hands-on mentality associated with Rotterdam's port: people who take initiative, overcome obstacles and support their colleagues.
While the port's economic importance is often measured in cargo volumes, investment and employment figures, the award places the spotlight on the individual workers who make its daily operations possible.
Four other port workers recognised
Schoemaker was selected from five finalists, all recognised for their contributions to Rotterdam's maritime and logistics sector.
The other nominees were Wilco van der Zwan, a long-serving employee recognised for sharing his knowledge with younger colleagues; Kevin Broekhuizen of EECV, who is active in workplace safety and employee representation; Angelica Uil of TOS Port & Logistics, who supports newcomers to the industry; and Bram Verhoeven of ECT Rotterdam, who works with dangerous goods and also volunteers as a firefighter.
All five nominees received trophies in recognition of their work, along with a year's membership of Havenvereniging Rotterdam.
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A growing Rotterdam tradition
The Golden Bollard was awarded for the first time in 2025, when LANXESS operator and training mentor Bas Pieren became its inaugural recipient.
With Schoemaker now joining him, the organisers hope to establish an annual tradition that recognises the contribution of ordinary port workers to Rotterdam's international reputation.
It's a reminder that Rotterdam's port is more than ships, containers and cranes. Its success also depends on the people who show up every day, look out for their colleagues and take pride in keeping the harbour moving.
More information about the award is available on the Municipality of Rotterdam's website.
