Jan Hein Meissner new harbour master Groningen Seaports

Groningen Seaports has appointed Jan Hein Meissner as the new harbour master with effect from 8 May 2026. Meissner succeeds Pieter van der Wal, who moved to another role as of 1 May. Meissner brings many years of experience in Groningen Seaports, and has in-depth knowledge of the port area, nautical services, and the organisation. Meissner was deputy harbour master for the last few years. With his broad-ranging experience in the area of port management, shipping support, and safety, Meissner is a familiar face in the ports of Delfzijl and Eemshaven.

Jan Hein Meissner has worked at Groningen Seaports for more than 25 years. He began his career in 2001 as employee in the vessel traffic service at the port of Delfzijl. Over the years, he has held a range of positions across the organisation, building extensive knowledge of the ports and their nautical operations. The new harbour master is delighted with this next step: “I’m looking forward to taking on this role. I know the ports of Delfzijl and Eemshaven inside out and feel deeply connected with the area. Together with my colleagues, I want to help ensure a safe and efficient port environment for everyone who works and sails here.”

Pieter van der Wal held the post of harbour master with great commitment for nearly eight years and will remain employed at Groningen Seaports as port security adviser. As harbour master, Meissner is responsible for the safe, efficient, and secure progress of shipping traffic in the ports of Delfzijl and Eemshaven. He also supervises compliance with legislation and regulations, coordinates nautical work, and works closely together with fairway users, businesses, support services, and other parties involved.