European Waterborne Technology Platform appoints Jaap Gebraad as Secretary General
During its recent meeting, the Board of Directors of the Waterborne Technology Platform appointed Jaap Gebraad as the association’s Secretary General.
The Waterborne Technology Platform is an industry-oriented Technology Platform providing policy guidance towards the European institutions regarding research, development and innovation for and by the European waterborne sector. The Waterborne Technology Platform coordinates the private side of the Co-Programmed Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport in the framework of Horizon Europe. Currently, 110 organisations are member of the Platform, representing the broader waterborne sector, and more specifically the key actors of the waterborne transport sector. In view of its increasing membership, the Association designed a new organisational structure.
With the appointment of a Secretary General, the implementation of the new organisational structure has been finalised. A core team of highly qualified professionals has been composed to serve the interest of the membership of the Waterborne Technology Platform, and thereby the broader European waterborne sector.
“I feel very honoured to continue serving the interest of the broader European waterborne sector, towards a carbon-neutral, zero accidents, automated and competitive waterborne sector,” Mr. Gebraad said. “Over the past couple of years, we have been able to lay the solid foundations of a European association, not only representing the interest of the key stakeholders of the European waterborne sector, but at the same moment in time securing a Partnership enhancing collaboration between all relevant actors. I am convinced that in the coming years, we will be able to ensure that the European waterborne sector is recognised as a strategic sector for Europe, Mr. Gebraad concluded” .
“In order to take into account the interest of the growing membership, we designed and implemented a new organisational structure”, Mr. Lehtovaara, Chairman of the Board said. The Board is welcoming Jaap Gebraad as Secretary General, not only because of his contributions to laying the foundations of our Association, but certainly as well because of his relevant experience and expertise. The Board of Directors is convinced that Jaap Gebraad will continue performing his tasks in an excellent way, in close cooperation with all stakeholders, Mr. Lehtovaara concluded”.
Jaap Gebraad
Background:
WATERBORNE TP has been set up as an industry-oriented Technology Platform to establish a continuous dialogue between all waterborne stakeholders, such as classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners, maritime equipment manufacturers, infrastructure and service providers, universities or research institutes, and with the EU Institutions, including Member States (www.waterborne.eu). The members of Waterborne TP comprise members as well as associated members from both maritime and inland navigation countries, representing about 19 Member States. In addition, the Associations member of the Waterborne Technology Platform represent the broader waterborne sector throughout the entire EU.
