"It all started with one taxi"
A conversation with Hans Boers of Boers Crew Services.
Success in the maritime industry is never a solo effort; it relies on strong, reliable partnerships. For MF Shipping Group, one such valued partner is Boers Crew Services (BCS Group), a global leader in maritime crew services.
We spoke to Hans Boers, one of the driving forces behind the company, about its remarkable journey from a single taxi service to an international operation, and the enduring partnership with MF Shipping Group that has grown alongside it.
Could you tell us about your company? What exactly do you do, and how long have you been in business?
For us, it’s all about people. We support maritime professionals, relieve our customers of unnecessary burdens, and strive for excellence in everything we do. At BCS Group, you’ll find complete solutions for all your crew-related needs under one roof. We’ve been providing these services since 1946.
We efficiently coordinate crew changes and take care of all the necessary permits, including visas, transportation and accommodation in ports throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. We also support visa services via our Visa Expert Centre in Manila.
I joined the company in 1991, shortly after which my father left. A pivotal moment for me came in 1996 when I travelled to Cyprus to meet the people I had been working with for years. I had no idea what to expect, but I was introduced to the entire crew of a client's ship. They asked me if I could handle everything for them from then on. Of course I said yes — this is where my Rotterdam boldness came into play! From that moment on, work really started pouring in. While we initially operated just one taxi, we have since grown into a major player in the field of crew changes and visa arrangements.
Could you tell us about the history of Boers?
In 1946, just after the Second World War, my grandfather bought a car and started a taxi service. This simple step became the foundation for what is now BCS Group. Twenty years ago, I decided to focus on maritime professionals, and ten years ago my business partner Peter Smit joined me.
We complement each other well: Peter is strategic and numbers-driven, while I tend to rely on my instincts. Together, we’ve built a strong foundation based on trust and a shared vision. Our team has grown to 80 people across four offices.
Despite this growth, we’ve kept our family spirit alive. Peter and I both work with our children, which creates a unique and close-knit dynamic. While it's important to separate family and business, we've found a rhythm that works for us. Our families collaborate on more than just work; we feel like one big family. We regularly plan family dinners to strengthen our bond. It feels like it’s meant to be.
How long has Boers been working with MFSG? How has this relationship evolved over time?
Our collaboration dates back to the early days with Sandfirden, sometime in the 1990s. In fact, I was the one driving MFSG’s crew around back then. As we evolved from a taxi service into a full-service crewing specialist, MFSG grew alongside us.
What makes our relationship special is that, despite all the changes on both sides, we’ve never stopped working together.
What has your experience been of working with people of MFSG?
We have transported MFSG crews for years and have mostly dealt with the office teams. I still remember joking with Marcel Marree and the soccer banter with Loek Vader, Feyenoord vs. FC Groningen. That kind of camaraderie sticks with you.
Now, we even have team members like Sarina Venekamp and Marisa Gacela who drove to Hamburg just to attend a social event with us. That shows just how deep the connection runs.
Could you share any best practices that might inspire others in the industry?
One of our proudest moments came during the pandemic, when we played a key role. What we achieved for seafarers during that time was almost unbelievable. Despite the global restrictions, we did everything possible to get them safely and promptly to their vessels. It was a time of hard work, and there were times when we were running on empty, but the trust that the authorities and our clients placed in us was incredibly motivating.
"Mutual trust is at the heart of our relationship"
Boers Crew Services visiting our vessels in port!
What are your goals for the future?
We aim to maintain our high service level and explore new markets, particularly in providing visa services for seafarers. Our aim is to continue improving the travel experience for maritime professionals and grow alongside partners like MFSG.
With shared goals and a family spirit at its core, the future of this unique collaboration in the maritime industry looks bright.
