“THANKS TO THE INTRODUCTION OF TEXELSTROOM, EMISSIONS HAVE ON AN AVERAGE BASIS BEEN REDUCED BY MORE THAN 50%”

Name: Cees de Waal        

Position: Managing Director

Age: 45

Zodiac sign: Leo

Civil status and family: Proud of my wife and children

Place of birth: Texel

Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us why a successful banker took the plunge to become the head of a two-ship domestic non-profit ferry operator in 2008?

During my eight-year career with ING, I learned a lot and enjoyed being managing director of several different branches. I’m grateful for all the opportunities offered to me by my previous employer. In 2007 the position of managing director of TESO became available. An interesting new challenge for me, and a good reason to return to my place of birth: the beautiful island of Texel. This turned out to be a good decision. I have been enjoying enormous satisfaction from fulfilling this position since January 2008.

What are the most special aspects about a company like TESO, with over 3,000 shareholders from the island?

The unique TESO model (Texel’s Own Steamboat Organisation) offers the best starting point for genuine commitment to all customers. TESO has no profit-making objective, we were founded in 1907 by the inhabitants of Texel to serve all passengers in the best possible way. Today the ownership is still in the hands of 3,151 individuals, mostly citizens living on the island plus some users of the ferry service living on the mainland. As a social enterprise we strive for the best outcome for all our customers: delivering a safe, reliable, affordable (ticket prices have not increased since 2002), and sustainable ferry service.

Islanders are a special breed, and whatever decisions operators take, it is often the wrong one in their view. How do you cope with this?

Texel has around 13,500 inhabitants, which means that a significant part of the population is a co-owner of our social enterprise. Most TESO employees, including myself, live among these owners who depend on us for their connection to the mainland. We are happy with all the feedback we receive from them. It gives us a clear picture of what our passengers expect from TESO. As a result, customer satisfaction is currently higher than ever before.

The stretch of water between the Dutch mainland and the Isle of Texel is just 4.2km with a 15- to 20-minute crossing time. Are there any plans to build a fixed link?  

No! The Marsdiep Channel is deep (up to 40 metres) and the cost of building and maintaining a fixed link would be very high in comparison to the total costs of our non-subsidized ferry service. More importantly: residents of Texel are proud to live in a real island community.

Back in 2016 you introduced the hybrid double-ender TEXELSTROOM. The ship is primarily powered by CNG, but also boasts solar panels in combination with batteries for the hotel load. What has been the experience so far?

Some innovations failed, but fortunately most have been proven to be successful! We are quite happy with this achievement. Per vehicle transported we have reduced the vessel’s energy consumption by 20% compared to our former flagship DOKTER WAGEMAKER. Emissions have on an average basis been reduced by more than 50%. Thanks to the solar panels we save over 40,000 litres of MGO yearly, and because of the heat recovery installation we hardly use a boiler anymore. 

During the peak periods you operate two ships. Following the introduction of TEXELSTROOM – the largest-ever ship serving the island – you expected to further reduce waiting times. Has this materialized? What is the average waiting time on a busy summer day?

Waiting times have indeed been reduced. Last year less than 3% of our 4.1 million travellers experienced a delay, and in those cases, additional waiting time was usually only a maximum of one hour. In the near future we are expecting a growth in numbers for Texel visitors to level off, due to a maximization in the number of available tourist land-based accommodation. These limitations will help conserve Texel as a future attractive holiday destination. According to Lonely Planet, Texel is one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.                                                          

You are already putting money aside for the next newbuilding. When will you start working on that project? Have any lessons been learned from TEXELSTROOM?

We are proud that TEXELSTROOM was honoured with the Shippax Award 2016, and also for the Marine Engineering Award. Recently TESO received the IMAREST Benelux prize for the best presentation of 2017/2018. We were happy to share our experience about the innovative aspects of TEXELSTROOM with an audience of naval architects and scientists. In my opinion we all must take responsibility in contributing to green shipping. The next new TESO ferry will come into service in 2031, we hope and expect that this ship will then sail with zero emissions, using batteries with green energy or hydrogen as an alternative clean solution.

Are you active on social media?

No, I prefer to be sociable in real live J.

What do you love about your job?

To deliver, together with my 201 friendly and professional colleagues, a wonderful service to the passengers who enjoy our crossing, 365 days a year.

What are your favourite pastime activities?  

To enjoy life with friends and family.

What was your childhood dream job?

As a child, I was thinking about any job that would make a useful contribution to the community.

Where will you spend your summer holidays?

On other islands.

What is your favourite dinner and drink combination?

I have been a vegetarian for over 25 years, I love Indian food.