Rotterdam, 22 September 2026 – Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG INTERNATIONAL, has been awarded a Royal Decoration, Koninklijke onderscheiding tot Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the Dutch and international maritime industry, the Port of Rotterdam and wider society.
The decoration was presented during a special celebration at KOTUG’s headquarters in Rotterdam, surrounded by colleagues and Rotterdam Municipality Representatives marking Ard-Jan’s 60th birthday and three decades as a member of KOTUG’s management.
Born in Rotterdam in 1966, Ard-Jan grew up closely connected to the family business and the maritime industry. After holding several operational and commercial positions, he became Commercial Director and Vice President of KOTUG INTERNATIONAL in 1996 and has served as President & CEO since 2002.
Under his leadership, KOTUG developed from a Rotterdam family business with deep roots in the port into an international maritime services provider. Ard-Jan is a natural connector and people-oriented leader who excels at building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and bringing people together around a common purpose. Throughout his journey, he has maintained a steadfast focus on entrepreneurship, operational excellence, innovation, and, above all, the people who are at the heart of the company’s success.
Innovation has been a defining element of his leadership. He played an important role in further developing and bringing the RotorTug® concept to the international market and supported the introduction of new maritime technologies, including hybrid and electric vessels and digital solutions for maritime operations. The Royal Decoration nomination specifically highlights KOTUG’s introduction of hybrid tugs in Rotterdam from 2012 and the subsequent development of emission-free push boats.
His contribution extends beyond KOTUG. Over the years, Ard-Jan has held several positions supporting the development of the Dutch maritime sector and Rotterdam maritime community. These include the Rotterdam Maritime Board, the Regional Selection Committee of the King Willem I Award, the Supervisory Board of the National Tugboat Museum, the Lloyd’s Register Benelux Committee and the Supervisory Board of Waalhaven Beheer B.V.
His contribution to Rotterdam has also been recognised by the Port of Rotterdam. In its letter supporting the nomination, the Port highlighted Ard-Jan’s entrepreneurship, commitment and continued investment in the port, as well as his contribution to economic opportunities, sustainable cooperation and innovations including the introduction of hybrid tugboats.
Alongside his business career, Ard-Jan has maintained a strong commitment to social initiatives. In 2016, the Kooren family established the Kooren Foundation, supporting projects that promote equal opportunities and contribute to communities connected to KOTUG. Initiatives supported over the years include the Razzia Monument in Rotterdam, projects involving Rotterdam sporting icons, activities for vulnerable young people and collaborations with the Dutch Marines.
Osman Munir, Vice President & CCO of KOTUG INTERNATIONAL, said:
“Ard-Jan’s contribution goes far beyond the growth of KOTUG. For decades, he has brought together entrepreneurship, innovation and a genuine commitment to people and the maritime community. His no-nonsense leadership has shaped who we are as a company and inspired generations of Kotuggers around the world. This Royal Decoration is a very special recognition of everything he has contributed to KOTUG, Rotterdam and the maritime industry.”
Throughout his career, Ard-Jan has previously received several industry recognitions, including Port Personality of the Year in 2012, the King Willem I Award in 2014, the KVNR Shipping Award in 2015, the Maritime Innovation Award in 2017 and the Marine Propulsion Award in 2019 for autonomous and remote operations.
For KOTUG colleagues, the occasion represents both a national recognition and a personal milestone for a leader whose career has remained closely connected to the company, its people and its Rotterdam roots.
About KOTUG International
KOTUG International is a leading international maritime services company. With a history spanning more than 100 years, KOTUG provides innovative towage and maritime solutions to customers worldwide. Through operational excellence, innovation and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability, KOTUG supports the evolving needs of the global maritime and energy industries.
For more information, visit www.kotug.com.
Media enquiries
Eduardo Reis Ramos
Global Communications and Marketing
KOTUG International
e.reisramos@kotug.com
+310621410188