Michel Bruins Slot, born in Terneuzen in 1982 to inland skippers, has been COO at Maaskade Bevrachters since 2025. He spent part of his childhood at a skippers' boarding school, after which he trained as a Maritime Officer in Rotterdam. His experience as a cargo surveyor brought him regularly aboard the Maaskade fleet, and since then he has been involved in the company's daily operations and growth.

Shipping offers Michel a constant challenge. Switching between different issues, finding practical solutions, and maintaining contact with clients, skippers, and service providers makes every workday unique. He finds satisfaction in seeing complex problems resolved smoothly and teams working together effectively. For Michel, it's the combination of action, insight, and human interaction that keeps his work interesting and dynamic.

At Maaskade Bevrachters, Michel has been given the opportunity to become a partner, allowing him to further develop his entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, learning is encouraged, whether it's through industry-specific training or language courses. These opportunities allow him to continuously develop, apply new knowledge, and experiment with ideas. The feeling that initiative is appreciated makes him feel involved with both the people and the company's growth.

What makes Maaskade Bevrachters special is the combination of growth and commitment. Despite the larger picture, it remains a close-knit family business, where people are there for each other and communication lines are short. Michel finds this atmosphere of collaboration and mutual trust crucial, both during busy periods and challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic. The team spirit, mutual support, and shared successes ensure that working at Maaskade remains a personal and valuable experience.