Building a safe and future-proof Netherlands

The Association of Hydraulic Engineers appointed a new president at the June 24 General Assembly: Jaap van Thiel de Vries. With his broad experience in science, applied research and business, he brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to further strengthen the association in the coming years. 

Van Thiel de Vries began his career in academia. He obtained his doctorate on research into dune erosion during a superstorm and worked at Deltares, where he was involved in innovative projects such as the Sand Motor, among others, as a university lecturer. That combination of research and practical experience eventually led to a move into the business world. In 2013, he joined Boskalis, where he started as a coastal engineer. His work included strengthening the Houtrib dyke and mangrove restoration projects in Indonesia. Later he became program manager of EcoShape and advanced to managerial positions. Nowadays he is director of the Boskalis Business Office, a versatile job that he combines with the chairmanship of the Association of Hydraulic Engineers.

Strong solution orientation

The Association of Hydraulic Engineers has nearly 100 members, ranging from large contractors to medium and small companies. "What binds the members is a practical mentality and the conviction that cooperation is essential to meet the great challenges of our time," notes Van Thiel de Vries. "You therefore taste within the association a strong solution orientation. People who want to work together and create something." And that is necessary too, because we are facing major tasks. The brand-new chairman points to the many social challenges facing the sector: climate change, energy transition, geopolitical shifts, nitrogen problems and water quality. "These developments place high demands on the way infrastructure projects are developed and implemented. It requires smart integration of tasks, acceleration in execution and innovative solutions."

Interlocutor for policymakers

Van Thiel de Vries sees an important role for the association in conveying a clear message to politicians and administrators. "More money must be made available for infrastructure, but at least as important is that projects are carried out faster and more efficiently. Think about combining tasks, such as dike reinforcement with water quality measures or portfolio tenders instead of separate contracts per bridge or lock. Fewer and simpler rules and procedures would also help enormously! Making the sector more sustainable is also high on the agenda. The electrification of equipment is one example, but this transition is not without its obstacles. Grid capacity and infrastructure must grow along with it." Van Thiel de Vries sees a role here for the Association of Hydraulic Engineers as a discussion partner of policy makers and governments: "We want to contribute to solutions, together with all those involved, because in the end we all pursue the same goal: a safe, livable and future-proof Netherlands."

Plenty of opportunities in hydraulic engineering

Van Thiel de Vries has been appointed chairman for four years. His main goal during that period is to contribute to acceleration towards the implementation of projects. "Getting the shovel into the ground in a shorter lead time!" He also wants to enthuse young people for a career in hydraulic engineering. Campaigns towards high school and college students should ensure a greater influx. "The challenges are great, but that is precisely what makes our profession so interesting. I want to show the young generation how many opportunities there are in hydraulic engineering." In four years, he hopes that the Netherlands has made noticeable strides in realizing infrastructure projects faster and that more young people are choosing the hydraulic engineering sector. "It's people work," he stresses. "We need good people, within companies and in government, to realize the enormous task we face together."

With his background as a technician, researcher and administrator, Van Thiel de Vries wants to achieve one thing above all: translate abstract problems into concrete solutions. This makes him a perfect match for the character of the sector: doers who build a safe and future-proof Netherlands.