“Our aim was to create our own customs department to make life easier for our customers.” Maritime logistics company Hudig & Veder has been in business for more than two centuries – a longevity that depends on a clear vision for the future. We spoke with Chartering Director Jon Scholten about the steps the company is taking to remain future-ready.
As a teenager, Jon Scholten spent six weeks sailing the Mediterranean with his uncle after which it was crystal clear to him: ‘I want to do that too!’. With both his father and grandfather having been seafarers, his choice felt like a natural continuation of a family tradition.
An exciting career followed, as you are now the Chartering Director.
“I started out in coastal shipping, where I gained a great deal of experience. When my personal circumstances changed – I had young children, who are now in their twenties – I decided to switch to an office-based role. I remained in the maritime sector, but I was no longer out on the water myself. From there, I moved from operations and chartering at stevedoring company Heinrich Hanno & Co to Arklow Shipping, an Irish shipping company with a Dutch branch, and eventually to Hudig & Veder.”
Hudig & Veder was founded in 1795 and has therefore witnessed more than two centuries of change. How does that impressive history help shape the day-to-day running of the company today?
“It gives us a wealth of experience to draw on. Over the years, we have been active in many different areas of the maritime sector, and that provides a solid foundation. We are also a family business, which is something customers still value highly. In 2025, our current owner’s family had been in this business for a hundred years! That continuity inspires confidence; our history and solid reputation are definitely an advantage. When you speak to people about it, you notice a real sense of respect.”
You recently launched Smart Customs, your own customs service. What prompted that decision?
“We noticed that shipments were getting held up at customs. Stricter regulations, heavier fines and a decreased understanding of how our industry works were making things increasingly difficult. Our idea, our aim – something we’d wanted to realise for a number of years – was to establish our own customs department to make life easier for our customers. That became Smart Customs. For example, when we book a ship from Turkey, the cargo is unloaded at our terminal. Part of it is then transported onwards by one or more coasters to England or Scandinavia, while the rest continues to the German hinterland, which is an important market. Having our own customs service makes it much easier to ensure that these shipments move through the process smoothly and efficiently.”
You also recently added five new ‘Vliet vessels’ to your fleet. Was this an investment in the future?
“Several vessels in our fleet dated from 2011 and 2012 and were beginning to show their age. With the future and fuel efficiency in mind, we decided to have replacement vessels built for our shuttle service. These new Vliet vessels are diesel-electric powered, and two of them are fitted with VentoFoils. It is a long-term investment that should see us through for another ten to fifteen years. The idea appealed to a lot of people; everyone wants to be part of environmentally friendly solutions and modern technology, so we quickly found partners to join us in this. It’s also more than just a luxury; it’s a must if we want to remain future-ready.”
Hybrid engines, VentoFoils; is sustainability a top priority for you?
“Yes, it is high on our agenda – not only on board our ships, but in the office as well. We have installed a large array of solar panels in our car park, for example. Sustainability is something people are talking about everywhere, both privately and professionally, and it is clearly the way forward. Fossil fuels are increasingly under pressure from geopolitical factors and protest groups.”
What trends and challenges do you see in the shipping industry?
“The political tensions you see on TV are issues we have to deal with on a daily basis – the war in Ukraine, for example, and disruption around the Suez Canal. Everything is becoming more expensive, and fuel prices have skyrocketed; at the moment they’re about twice as high as they were before the war in Iran began. Staff shortages are another challenge. Many terminals are struggling to maintain full staffing levels. And what we’re definitely also noticing is that, because of the tensions, many plans are being shelved. People are saying: let’s sit down again in a few months before we decide to move forward. Long-term plans are changing quickly at the moment, and that has major consequences.”
In turbulent times like these, a strong relationship with your insurer is of the utmost importance.
“Absolutely. We’ve been working together since 2011, when we started building the Vliet vessels. To our complete satisfaction, I might add; we’re good partners.”
Do you feel there is a shared sense of history and heritage, given that both companies have been around for so long?
“We recognise that same focus on reliability at NNPC Marine Insurance: thinking long term, working well together, and having a clear vision for progress. I believe those are guiding principles we share.”
Finally, is there anything else you would like to add?
“We’re always looking for good people. Hudig & Veder is a wonderful place to work. If you’re in the maritime sector, we’re the perfect place for you. We want to keep growing and that makes good employees essential – people with the knowledge and skills to build customer loyalty and make life easier for customers. I also really hope that we’ll all come to realise that we’re better off working together than competing with one another. In every respect.”
Want to know more?
If you would like to find out more about Hudig & Veder, or are interested in joining this historic maritime company, please visit their website. For all your marine insurance needs, NNPC Marine Insurance is the right place for you. Take a look at our P&I service and other insurance services here.
