Cuno Vat, CEO of Neele-Vat, has been elected Port Man of the Year 2025 by the Port Man/Woman of the Year Foundation. A special recognition in the same year in which Neele-Vat celebrates its 50th anniversary, a milestone for the family business founded in 1975 by Ruud Vat, who is still closely involved as advisor and commissioner.

A period of strong growth and internationalization

Under the leadership of Cuno Vat, Neele-Vat has experienced impressive expansion in recent years. What started as a merger between Neele and Vat, grew in ten years into one of the largest private logistics service providers in the Netherlands. The jury praised the continuous growth, professionalization and strategic vision with which Cuno has led the company through a dynamic market.

In 2025, Neele-Vat further expanded its international network to include:

• The acquisition of Cool Solutions, specialist in UK logistics,
• the integration of Nord Cargo, adding four Spanish branches to the network,
• increasing its stake in German freight forwarder Dörrenhaus to 75%,
• the expansion of operations in Switzerland through the acquisition of Schouten Transport,
• and continued growth of NVD Asia, which now has multiple offices in China, Southeast Asia and other key growth markets.

According to the jury, these moves show that Cuno's approach - focused on increasing scale, specializing in ocean freight and chain logistics, and building strong teams - is an example of modern and responsible entrepreneurship within an industry that is constantly changing.

Family values as a foundation

In addition to growth and professionalization, the Foundation emphasizes the role of family values within Neele-Vat. Cuno Vat remains actively committed to a close-knit, people-oriented corporate culture. For example, he is the driving force behind the Neele-Vat Academy, an initiative where children of employees can learn about the company and receive support for their MBO, HBO or university education. In doing so, the company creates equal opportunities for all children of colleagues - a value deeply rooted in family history.

A visible role in the Rotterdam port community

Cuno Vat's influence extends beyond his role as CEO. Among other things, he is:

• chairman of FENEX,
• active within Deltalinqs, TLN and Family Businesses Netherlands.

With this involvement, he makes a significant contribution to the development of the port of Rotterdam and the broader logistics sector. The Foundation emphasizes that his international course fits seamlessly with Rotterdam's ambitions as a world port.

A tradition of recognition

Cuno Vat is the 45th person to receive the award since it was established in 1981 by the former Rotterdam port press club Kyoto. He succeeds Fred van Beers, CEO of Sif Group and Port Man of the Year 2024.

The official award ceremony will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at a festive gathering in the presence of former laureates, port authorities, representatives of the port community and the media.

The Port Man/Woman of the Year Foundation consists of a board of four independent journalists, the three most recently elected Port Men, the most recently elected Young Port Talent and three sponsors of the foundation.