To start, share a bit about your background and what led you into the wind and offshore industry.
I spent my childhood surrounded by the wind and water on the coast of Zeeland, the Netherlands. The sea was always close – whether I was doing schoolwork at the beach with friends in the summer or heading out with my best mate to fly a kite or windsurf whenever the weather allowed.
My studies in civil engineering took me to South Africa and Indonesia for traineeships, which opened my eyes to working with people from different cultures and backgrounds. That early exposure sparked my passion for international projects and teamwork.
In the years before joining DWT, I worked globally on projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe, initially with Ballast Nedam, one of the largest Dutch construction companies. My journey started after a job interview at Schiphol Airport, and I was quickly thrown into action – my first day was on-site in the West African jungle, building a water treatment plant. After many years in West Africa, I made the switch to offshore wind, combining my love for large-scale projects and the dynamic forces of wind and water.
What brought you to DWT, and how did the transition happen?
Back in 2016, DWT acquired the offshore wind asset management division from Ballast Nedam, where I was working at the time. It was a period of big changes – our department was running successfully, but Ballast Nedam was struggling financially. The move to DWT brought new energy and much-needed security for our team.
I was honestly surprised by the company's work culture. My expectation of a strict and formal German company was quickly proven wrong. Instead, I found a place where first names, informal greetings, and a practical, client-focused mindset prevailed. No ‘Sie’ and ‘mein Herr’ but ‘Du’, ‘Moin’ or even ‘Mahlzeit’. That spirit still resonates with me today.
Since the transition, I’ve had the chance to manage a wide variety of projects across the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Taiwan. Introducing DWT and our service portfolio at international events like Energy Taiwan is a personal highlight. In recent years, I’ve led the offshore project management team.
Over the last decade, what’s changed the most for you in the offshore wind sector?
If I reflect on the market, I see continual evolution. Long-term contracts have become rare, project scopes are more fragmented, and initial contacts are now often digital, via tender portals, rather than in person. Sometimes, suppliers have become competitors. Price competition has intensified and is shaping the entire sector. For us, the main challenge is to remain competitive while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and business sustainability.
Looking ahead, what opportunities and challenges do you see for DWT in the Netherlands?
I’m optimistic about our future. The real strength at DWT lies in our people and the collective expertise we've built over the years. Even if new offshore wind developments slow down at times, the need for ongoing maintenance remains – and is actually increasing. Offshore wind farms will always require inspection, repairs, and upgrades, especially as they age. For example, we're noticing more subsea cable failures due to years of seabed movement and wear, which increases demand for inspection, maintenance, and repair.
Recently, Eneco selected DWT as their new maintenance partner for the Prinses Amalia wind park, and we’re steadily executing our work across various projects in the Netherlands, the German Bight, and hopefully later this year in Taiwan, where we’ve been active since 2022.
Finally, how do you like to unwind and spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I love being with my wife and our two sons, Kyran (14) and Arthur (10). We are happiest outdoors – camping, hiking, surfing, and spending holidays with family in Italy.
If the wind is good, you’ll find me kitesurfing – something that depends on the weather, just like our offshore work! At home, music is a central part of our family life: my wife plays violin, my youngest son and I play piano, and my oldest is on guitar. We love playing together. I'm also keen on learning new things and have been studying Mandarin Chinese – which actually helps serve as an icebreaker on our projects in Taiwan.
Thank you, Roland, for sharing your fascinating insights and for taking the time to speak so openly about your journey, your experiences, and your vision for DWT Offshore in the Netherlands.
