Connecting at the heart of the port, an interview with Robert van der Hoek, Commercial Manager at LBC Rotterdam.
English translation below
Connecting at the heart of the port
Anyone driving through the port of Rotterdam sees the impressive diversity of activity that makes this world port unique. Amid containers, cranes, and terminals is a player that is crucial in the chain of the (petro)chemical industry: LBC Rotterdam. With a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters and specializing in the storage of chemical products, the company plays a key role for countless customers. But behind the steel tanks and the continuously moving logistics process is above all a team of people who commit themselves with heart and soul. One of them is Robert van der Hoek, commercial manager and born-and-raised local.
Born in the heart of the port
Robert smiles when he talks about his background: “I was born in Oostvoorne, went to high school in Brielle, and later studied business administration in Rotterdam. So I literally grew up in the shadow of the port. My family has worked here for generations, so it felt very natural to build my career here as well”. He has now worked in the port for almost twenty years. Nearly four years ago, he moved to LBC Rotterdam. “It felt like coming home,” he says. “The port is lively, constantly moving, and at the same time a close-knit community. That suits me.”
His working days are anything but monotonous. “What gives me energy is the contact with all kinds of people,” Robert explains. “From operators and truck drivers to customers and colleagues in other countries. Every day is different: one day you work on a commercial proposal, the next day you follow the operations of a tank unloading or discuss optimizations with a customer. That diversity means you always have to stay alert, and you can make a real impact.”
LBC Rotterdam
LBC Rotterdam is part of an international tank storage company with terminals in the Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp (ARA) region in Europe and the US Gulf Coast. The Rotterdam site focuses entirely on chemical products. “We rent out tanks to our customers,” Robert explains. “That may sound simple, but there is a lot involved. Safety, sustainability, optimal terminal layout, and connecting to the customer’s supply chain.”
In addition to storage, LBC provides services such as truck loading, ship unloading, IBC filling, and drumming. Everything is geared toward convenience and efficiency for the customer. Robert: “We call that sustainable storage solutions. We want to be more than just a storage location. We want to truly think along and provide the best solution.”
A flat organization where connection comes first
What Robert finds distinctive about LBC is the company culture. “I always say: LBC is a family. Our core value is connecting, both with customers and with each other. You can see that in the flat structure. Decisions are made quickly, and everyone knows each other, from operator to director. We regularly organize after-work gatherings where everyone comes together. It creates a strong sense of unity.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the company gates. The motto ‘we are LBC’ is reflected in how employees work together, take responsibility, and welcome customers. “We call that ‘first time right’,” Robert says. “A customer must feel welcome right away. That personal approach is what makes us unique.”
Feeling the impact
For Robert, the attraction of his work lies in its visible impact. “At LBC, you immediately notice that what you do makes a difference. Because our commercial department is small, you see your own influence reflected in the terminal and with customers. That’s incredibly motivating.”
He cites the operational analyses LBC carries out for customers. “We monitor in detail how an operation proceeds. Sometimes we discover improvements the customer hadn’t thought of. When you notice you’re adding value beyond just storage, that you’re a partner in their operations, it’s very rewarding.”
Sustainability as a guiding principle
In a sector where safety and the environment are central, LBC takes a leading role. The company achieved the Ecovadis platinum rating for the second (meanwhile third) year in a row, the highest recognition for sustainability. “I’m proud of that,” Robert says. “We work with products that can have an impact on people and the environment. You don’t just want to comply with regulations, you want to show you take it seriously. Having an external party confirm that we are among the most sustainable tank storage companies in the world is a great recognition.”
For LBC, sustainability is not just a certificate but a daily practice. From audits to customer satisfaction surveys, continuous improvement is key. “In the past four years, we’ve made huge strides in customer satisfaction. That shows we’re on the right track.”
Digitalization and connected partnerships
Another priority is digitalization. Orders no longer come in via email, but via EDI connections where systems communicate directly with each other. “That’s a good example of what we call a connected partnership,” Robert explains. “We are literally connected to our customers, physically through pipelines and digitally through data.”
This approach fits with LBC’s broader strategy: safety, sustainability, service, and efficiency. By digitalizing and optimizing processes, the organization remains relevant in a rapidly changing market.
Responding to the energy transition
The energy transition brings new opportunities for companies in the port, and LBC is actively responding. Robert mentions pyrolysis oil, an oil produced from recycled plastic. “We now store this product and handle the associated operations. I’m proud of that, because it means we contribute directly to making the chain more sustainable.”
Future expansions also play a role. The so-called Rainbow project includes new tanks and an advanced loading and unloading station for trucks and (block) trains. “As a commercial manager, that gives me energy. It enables us to offer customers even better solutions.”
He recalls a moment when LBC really made a difference for a customer. “We analyzed a complex operation and showed how it could be improved. The customer said: ‘I’ve never looked at it that way before.’ Moments like that confirm that we are more than a tank storage company. We’re a partner that thinks along and adds value. That’s what makes this work so rewarding.”
The pride of a world port
For Robert, the connection with the port of Rotterdam is not only professional but also personal. “I grew up here, and now I live in Schiedam, right in the middle of the port. It’s incredibly large, but it still feels like a small world. Everyone knows each other, and companies work closely together. That’s what makes it special: despite its scale, there’s a strong sense of community.”
He is optimistic about the future of the port, and of LBC. “We still have room to expand in Rotterdam, and with our new Japanese shareholder, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), great opportunities lie ahead. Rotterdam remains a world-class port we can be proud of. And LBC intends to continue playing a role in that: as a connected partner, as a sustainable player, and as an employer people enjoy working for.”