Dutch outfit Van Oord has canvassed young people’s views on the future of the world as part of the company’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
A two-day event was held on the former cruise ship the SS Rotterdam for about 150 youngsters aged between 15 and 23 years old.
Discussions centred on what will the world look like in 2038 and what themes are important to Van Oord.
After a brainstorming session that included a lecture and talks about eight predictions, the youngsters celebrated Van Oord’s anniversary.
Van Oord chief executive Pieter van Oord said: “We want to involve the coming generation in our company’s future. It will be their turn in twenty years’ time, and that’s why we value their ideas today.”
The company is also celebrating its anniversary with the christening two new ships – crane vessel Werkendam and subsea rock installation vessel Bravenes.
Van Oord added that its ‘Innovation Challenge’ – a contest for start-up and scale-up companies – will reach its climax in late November.
The winner will be announced on 23 November during an international symposium.
The final event of the anniversary year will be the christening of the Vox Amalia, Van Oord’s new trailing suction hopper dredger on 14 December.