Simeon and Erik: The driving forces behind the HACON Offshore and International team
What are offshore containers?
Of course, Hacon Containers is known for its containers, but as Erik points out: “I've been working with containers for years, but offshore is a whole different world. It makes it a lot more interesting and challenging. Especially with the internationalization of the offshore division within Hacon.”
There is no shortage of challenges. Offshore containers must meet very different requirements than normal containers. Simeon: “Of course, they are just containers, just like the other containers at Hacon. But they are a lot stronger, equipped with lifting eyes, and have various certifications.” But what are the biggest differences?
The biggest differences between an offshore container and a normal container?
Offshore containers must be built much more robustly than normal containers. For example, these containers have a steel floor and the metal is much stronger to withstand harsh conditions. In addition, the containers are often equipped with lifting eyes so that the container can be hoisted by a crane.
Because offshore containers are used in many extreme locations, they must have additional certifications, including DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079, ISO, and CSC.
Every year, a visual inspection is carried out by a certified company, and every four years, an MPI inspection is carried out, during which, among other things, the welds of the lifting points are checked for “leaks.”
A day in the life of an offshore container specialist
Simeon and Erik totally agree: no two days at Hacon are the same. Simeon: “After running this department on my own for four years, it became too much and I needed someone to help out. I travel more and more often and regularly visit trade fairs abroad, but the work in the Netherlands continued as usual.” Erik adds: “Now there are two of us, and we know that when one of us is traveling or attending a trade fair, the other will take care of the work at the office.”
The internationalization of Hacon's offshore division means that Erik and Simeon are both increasingly likely to be found at trade fairs around the world. A few days before this interview, Erik was in Düsseldorf, and Simeon has also visited various trade fairs in Europe, Asia, and the USA this year. Erik and Simeon can often be found at the office, but a week later, Simeon may be on a plane to visit a major customer abroad.
Proud and modest: there is always room for improvement
When you say ambitious, you say Simeon and Erik. They both strive for the highest possible standards and have already attracted some great clients as a result, but Simeon still finds it difficult to be proud: "I don't get proud very easily; there's always room for improvement. But if there's one thing I'm proud of, it's the growth of the offshore division within Hacon that I achieved in the four years before Erik joined and now with Erik on board. We now also have our own name: Hacon Offshore & International."
Erik is also extremely proud to be part of Hacon Offshore & International. “I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am extremely proud and happy that I said yes six months ago when Simeon asked me to become part of Hacon Offshore & International.”
No shortage of wanderlust
Of course, Simeon and Erik are not offshore container specialists all day long. Outside of work, they are involved in various non-container-related activities. But traveling? They love to do that, both for business and pleasure. Simeon: "I love traveling. Not only do I take advantage of opportunities to see the world through my work, but I also enjoy going on vacation with my wife in my private life. We have come through a difficult period, and thanks to the growth at Hacon Containers and Hacon Offshore & International, I can now offer my family everything they need.
Like Simeon, Erik also enjoys traveling to different countries. He has been visiting Spain for years and it has become a favorite destination that he truly enjoys. But that doesn't mean he hasn't seen a lot of the world and still wants to see much more. Erik and his husband also enjoy eating out. Erik: “When you go out to eat with your partner, you have different conversations than you would on the couch. It keeps your relationship exciting and you can enjoy yourselves together.”
The future of Hacon Offshore & International
What the future holds is not entirely in the hands of Simeon or Erik. But they certainly have ambition. Simeon explains: “In the beginning, it was mainly about sending. Showing your face a lot, but now more and more companies know and recognize you. We see this reflected in our growth, and we are doing everything we can to continue this growth.” Erik adds: “One of our last batches consisted of 20 offshore containers. These were sold before we even received them. This shows our customers' confidence in us and demonstrates that we are growing.”
Growth requires hard work, but at an employer such as Hacon Containers, it is fully facilitated. Both Erik and Simeon agree that Hacon Containers has an open working atmosphere where you are encouraged to be yourself. It doesn't matter how you do it, as long as the results are achieved. Erik explains: "Everyone is allowed to show their own strengths. Simeon and I are two completely different people, but this interaction works very well and Hacon supports this too." In addition to this positive working atmosphere, Hacon Containers also organizes various annual events for its staff, such as the annual family day and the Harbour Run.
Would you like to become part of this great company, work with Simeon and Erik as your colleagues, and work for the container specialist? Take a look at our vacancies or contact us directly so we can schedule an appointment.