The journey of a passionate booking agent
How it all began Marieke Derks, the Asia representative for Sevenstar Yacht Transport, has been a pivotal part of our team since 2012. Her journey with Sevenstar began in a rather unexpected way. Around 12 years ago she was invited by Chris Jongerius to do a photo shoot of the loading operations on a Sevenstar vessel anchored in Phang Nga Bay.
She recalls the awe she felt upon arriving at the heavy lift vessel MV Anne Sophie at dawn, climbing the ship’s rope ladder, and witnessing the meticulous operations. The care and craftsmanship with which the loadmasters and crew handled the yachts captivated her, and she admired the precision teamwork involved in placing a yacht on deck.
The scale and expertise involved in loading and unloading yachts of various sizes amazed her, and she knew she wanted to be part of it.
From enthusiasm to action Marieke’s initial enthusiasm quickly evolved into a professional journey. She has been instrumental in building Sevenstar’s Asia office, covering Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Together with Chris Jongerius she developed yacht transport solutions to and from Asia, expanded their network through marketing and client recommendations, and now provides full-service yacht shipping to global destinations.
Marieke’s background in sales, marketing, and yachting provided a solid foundation for her role at Sevenstar. However, she faced a steep learning curve regarding the intricacies of yacht transport, from booking processes to logistics and legalities. She acts as the intermediary between clients and the complex shipping world, ensuring a smooth and transparent process.
Building trust with clients For many yacht owners, shipping their yacht is both an adventure and a significant trust exercise. Marieke emphasizes the importance of customer service and care, including thorough briefings before loading or discharge. This process helps manage client expectations and ensures they feel reassured about the safety of their yacht.
Yachts often have significant emotional value to their owners, and Marieke balances providing clear information without overwhelming clients. She reassures them with the best insurance coverage and underscores the trust and expertise within the Sevenstar team.
Marieke accentuates the importance of client service. “For yacht owners, particularly those with smaller yachts, the transport process can be quite an adventure. We put a lot of emphasis on customer service and care, including extensive briefings before loading or discharge.”
There are many developments in the yacht transport industry, from technical innovations to geopolitical issues. Marieke appreciates the innovative spirit at Sevenstar. “We’re always looking to improve. For example, we are the only yacht transport company with an in-house engineering team, and all our cradles and sea fastening systems are approved by Lloyd’s Register.”
Life beyond shipping yachts When not working, Marieke splits her time between Phuket and Amsterdam. She enjoys designing and making things, spending time in nature, and promoting the Asia Pacific region as a cruising destination. Despite her love for the tropics, she has discovered a newfound appreciation for the cold and has even taken up open-water swimming in winter.
Connect with Marieke If you have any questions or inquiries about yacht transport to or from Asia, or globally, Marieke is your go-to expert at Sevenstar Yacht Transport.