Now featured in Europoort Kringen: ‘The technology exists to make this great industry more sustainable’
Thursday 30 October 2025
In the latest edition of Europoort Kringen, our Managing Director Carl Wierks shares his vision on the future of the process industry in the Rotterdam port area. He discusses the importance of sustainable efficiency, smart technology, and collaboration to keep the industry future-proof. Read the full interview below and discover how Van der Ende Valve Services contributes to a cleaner and more competitive industry through knowledge, innovation, and craftsmanship.
“"It is of the utmost importance that we provide the industry in the Rotterdam port area with a service that maintains efficiency and costs in a sustainably controlled way, so that the industry can remain competitive with the rest of the world.” These are the words of Carl Wierks, Managing Director at Van der Ende Valve Services, a one-stop shop in control valves, safety valves, and shut-off valves.
Text: Heleen van der Maas
According to Wierks, it would be a great loss if Rotterdam — home to one of the world’s largest ports — were to lose its competitive position in the chemical and petrochemical industries. He refers to the uncertainty that has arisen now that long-established industrial multinationals in the Rotterdam port region are scaling down or closing their doors due to high energy prices, environmental regulations, and global competition.
A realistic approach
“I fully understand that the environment and the energy transition are important factors,” Wierks explains, “but companies in this sector are perfectly capable of becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The utopia that ‘if it’s dirty, it has to be clean tomorrow’ is unrealistic. But as long as there are concrete plans in place, it is absolutely achievable. The technology exists to make this great industry — which is certainly not dirty — more sustainable, while preserving the social and economic role of the Rotterdam ports.”
Working together
Wierks believes that the government must also take responsibility. “These are major projects with long payback periods. Of course, some companies are willing to make investments that take ten to fifteen years to recover due to environmental regulations. But if the bar is set so high — with a 45-year payback time — no one will join in. We have to handle these changes wisely. And that’s something we must do together,” he emphasizes.
Focusing on total cost
In the ongoing transition within the Rotterdam port area, Wierks sees an important role for Van der Ende Valve Services. “For companies aiming to remain competitive in a financially responsible way, it’s crucial to look at the total cost of their installation. That includes the use of control valves, safety valves, and shut-off valves.”
The family-owned company, active in the process industry since 1965, offers sales, overhaul, inspection, testing, and certification of these components — all under one roof. From single parts during emergencies to complete planned shutdowns.
Advising on sustainability
Wierks: “As a one-stop shop, our main goal is to minimize downtime for our customers’ installations in industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, and refining. We also take on an advisory role when it comes to reducing emissions and improving sustainability. For example, when using compressed air to operate control valves: the more air you use, the higher the compressor’s energy costs — and the greater the environmental impact.”
Up to 40% air reduction per valve
“By working with the new generation of positioners, it’s possible to achieve a 30 to 40 percent reduction in air consumption per valve,” Wierks continues. “In a typical petrochemical plant with thousands of control valves, this leads to substantial financial and environmental benefits.” Revising and reusing components also plays an important role in this.
Another development Wierks highlights is that control valves, safety valves, and shut-off valves can now easily be made smart. “This allows for early detection when maintenance is needed — and preventive action is always cheaper than reactive repair.”
The right valve for every process
The family business is the exclusive representative of four leading brands for control valves, shut-off valves, and (pressure/vacuum) safety valves, and keeps commonly used parts in stock for maintenance and overhaul.
Wierks: “Process data determines which control valve is best suited for a specific application. One brand may perform better here, another brand there. We keep the door wide open to select the right product for the right process.” With a smile, he adds: “It would be foolish not to. Quality, service, and safety always come first — combined with cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, and sustainability.”
Ready for the next 60 years
With more than 300 solar panels on the roof, an ergonomic workshop, the use of water-based coatings and eco-friendly cleaning agents, and ISO 14001 certification, Van der Ende Valve Services is a true example of practice what you preach. “We’ve embraced a sustainable mindset, we’re ready for the next 60 years, and we’re expanding our reach,” Wierks emphasizes. “We now supply products and overhaul services to the hydrogen, food & beverage, and power industries as well. As our owner always says: ‘If you stand on the roof, you can see our customers.’ These days, you need very good eyesight for that.”"
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