Working in the Port of Rotterdam

The Industry division handles maintenance, projects, and turnarounds in various industrial sectors, such as petrochemicals, power generation, and the steel industry. Mourik colleagues working in the Port of Rotterdam describe it as a world full of wonder. Be inspired by colleague Mohamed Smaili, site manager, and read about his experience working in this crucial global hub.

Common Goal

"Born and raised in Rotterdam-West, I ended up at the technical university somewhat naturally—out of convenience—because it was just around the corner. That's how I got into engineering, but fortunately, I quickly realized that it suited me well. After my studies, I immediately started working at Mourik through a traineeship, but things went so well that I didn’t finish it; after a few months, I was already a lead supervisor at a maintenance site."

"For the past year and a half, I've been working as a site manager, leading a team of almost 140 employees. They perform maintenance in factories at the port, and I ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely. What I find so great about it is that you really become a team, a family, made up of very different people but with a common goal. And when you achieve that, it gives you an amazing feeling with your team.

Trust

"Even during my job interview, I got a sort of family feeling; I wasn’t speaking to a manager in a fancy suit but to someone in everyday clothes who had just come from the worksite. It immediately became clear to me that you can do your thing here, like I could already sense in that first meeting that I wouldn’t be forced into a mold. I was really young when I started here, fresh out of school, but I got the feeling: we need you, and we’re here for you. That gave me confidence back then, and it has never left me."

"Working in the harbor has always been a bit of a dream." Laughing: "I'm a Rotterdam boy, right? And as a Rotterdammer, you're raised with the idea that the harbor is something to be proud of. If you don't work there and never go, it's not really clear what you're proud of; you have no real image of it. I still remember the first time I drove into the port. I was truly impressed by how massive it was and how connected you are to the world. The harbor is a vital part of our lives. When I drive through it, I reflect on the factories that provide essential raw materials and the containers that always end up in the right place. Being part of that is something really special."