A trusted partner in maritime crewing
Helder Maritiem is a specialist crewing agency that provides highly skilled personnel for the maritime and offshore oil and gas sectors. Whether it’s seafarers, tug crews, or offshore workers, Helder Maritiem ensures that “everything that floats” is fully staffed with qualified professionals.
For Jan Brugmans, senior account manager, the stakes are high. “We need travel arrangements that are fast, flexible, and marine-specific. Our crews operate on tight schedules. Delays in travel can delay entire projects”, he says in an interview with BCD Travel.
The switch to BCD and TripPlanner
Two years ago, Helder Maritiem faced a recurring challenge: their previous travel supplier couldn’t support marine fares online — a critical need for a company dealing exclusively with seafarers.
That’s when BCD stepped in, offering TripPlanner, a powerful self-service tool that supports marine fare bookings and gives users real-time access to flight availability and prices.
“For us, it works perfectly,” says Jan. “We can see what’s available immediately and book flights straight away. That means we can give our clients an accurate quote — fast. It’s become a one-stop shop.”
Faster bookings, better service
One of the biggest benefits for Helder Maritiem has been the time saved in securing travel.
“There’s no more waiting,” Jan explains. “Within 30 minutes, we have everything we need and can send it straight to the client. Before, that could take a full day.”
The experience with BCD’s support team has also been consistently positive. “It’s friendly and professional. If we email or call, someone always responds — and quickly. In two years of working together, we’ve had nothing but great service.”
A clear recommendation
When asked what advice he’d give to other companies looking for better crew travel solutions, Jan doesn’t hesitate:
“Just go for it. It’s the best there is.”
For Helder Maritiem, the move to TripPlanner has delivered on all fronts — speed, reliability, and the ability to serve clients better. It’s not just a travel tool; it’s a competitive edge.
Want to hear from Jan Brugmans directly? Watch the 2-minute video to learn firsthand how TripPlanner supports Helder Maritiem with marine fare bookings.