North Sea Port is set to begin its search for a new CEO following the announcement that current CEO, Daan Schalck, will step down at the end of this year due to personal reasons. After a distinguished 15-year career, first as director general of Ghent Port Company since 2009 and later as CEO of North Sea Port from 2018, Schalck has decided to hand over his mandate to a successor.

Schalck played a pivotal role in the development of North Sea Port, overseeing the merger of the ports of Ghent, Vlissingen, and Terneuzen, as well as guiding the port through numerous challenges, including Brexit, the energy crisis, and the war in Ukraine. The Supervisory Body expressed its gratitude for Schalck’s dedication and achievements, particularly highlighting milestones such as the successful merger of Ghent and Zeeland Seaports and the completion of the New Lock in Terneuzen.

Pieter van Geel, chairman of North Sea Port’s Supervisory Body, commented: “We thank Daan Schalck for his drive and decisiveness. Thanks to his knowledge and experience, he further developed Ghent Port Authority and helped bring the merger of the port of Ghent and Zeeland Seaports to a successful conclusion. With North Sea Port, he was able to set milestones, including the realisation of the Strategic Plan and the New Lock in Terneuzen. We are very grateful for this and wish him the best of luck.”

Reflecting on his decision, Schalck said: “For personal reasons, I have pressed the pause button in recent weeks. During that rest period, I put a number of things in order. For myself, I have worked out that my priorities lie elsewhere. I say goodbye with a good feeling because a number of major projects, such as the merger and the New Lock in Terneuzen, have been successfully completed. It is the culmination of a valuable project on which we have all put our shoulders in recent years.”

While Schalck will remain active in his role until the end of 2024, part of his responsibilities have already been transferred to other directors to ensure continuity during the transition period. North Sea Port’s leadership team will work closely with Schalck to maintain stability while launching the search for a new CEO.

Looking ahead, North Sea Port’s ambitions, as outlined in its strategic plan ‘Connect 2025,’ remain unchanged. The port authority is focused on further developing its cross-border port area, with continued emphasis on economic growth, sustainability, climate initiatives, and creating a financially sound foundation.

In a statement, North Sea Port directors reiterated the port’s position as a key player in Europe’s transport and logistics network: “The location, multimodality and diversification in goods make North Sea Port an important European port. It is imperative that we consolidate that position. That means we continue to focus on sustainable transport and circular economy, among other things. We are a connector that brings together many parties – such as companies, shipping companies, transporters, governments and local residents – in order to arrive at supported solutions that contribute to the prosperity of Flanders and the Netherlands. The new CEO will help shape these ambitions.”

The search for a successor is expected to commence shortly, with North Sea Port’s leadership committed to ensuring a smooth transition.

For more information visit www.northseaport.com