73 years ago today, a decision was made that would help shape the future of Van Oord. On October 8, 1953, Jac. G. van Oord signed the contract to purchase Esperance, the first dredging vessel ever owned by the Van Oord family business.
Built in 1926, the vessel represented a major investment for a company that did not yet own a dredger of its own. Jac. G. van Oord believed that to grow, the company needed the capability to undertake dredging projects independently.
According to Van Oord, it was a bold step, driven by vision, determination and entrepreneurial spirit. The vessel was extensively rebuilt, including the conversion from steam to oil-powered operations, and was renamed Westerschelde. By the end of 1954, it was ready to enter service.
More than seven decades later, that small company has grown into a global marine contractor.