How Helder Maritiem streamlined crew travel with BCD’s self-service booking platform 

In the maritime crewing world, speed and precision are everything. For Helder Maritiem, a Dutch agency specializing in staffing offshore vessels and oil platforms, travel logistics are mission critical. Their crews operate on tight schedules, and any delay in travel can ripple into costly project setbacks.

Cargo ship on reflective sea under stormy clouds.

That’s why Helder Maritiem turned to BCD Travel and its self-service booking platform, TripPlanner. 

A tool built for the maritime industry 

Helder Maritiem’s Senior Account Manager, Jan Brugmans, knows the stakes. “We need travel solutions that are fast, flexible, and tailored to marine operations,” he explains. Their previous travel provider couldn’t support marine fares online—a major roadblock for a company that books exclusively for seafarers. 

TripPlanner changed that. With real-time access to marine fare availability and pricing, Jan and his team can now quote and book flights instantly. “It’s become our go-to platform,” he says. “We can see what’s available and confirm bookings right away. That speed makes a big difference.” 

Need help making complex crew travel logistics easier? 

Discover how BCD’s Energy, Resources and Marine (ERM) services can help you streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance traveler safety. Whether you’re managing offshore rotations, mining crews, or maritime staffing, our industry-specific solutions and 24/7 global support are built to keep your workforce moving. Learn more about how we support the ERM sector at bcdtravel.com/energy-resources-marine

Time saved, service elevated 

Before TripPlanner, booking crew travel could take an entire day. Now, it’s done in under 30 minutes. That efficiency allows Helder Maritiem to respond faster to client requests and keep operations moving without delay. 

And it’s not just the technology that stands out. Brugmans praises BCD’s support team for their responsiveness and professionalism. “Every time we reach out, we get a quick reply. The service has been excellent from day one.” 

A competitive advantage 

TripPlanner hasn’t just improved booking speed—it’s helped Helder Maritiem deliver better service to their clients. With faster quotes and reliable travel arrangements, the agency has gained a competitive edge in a demanding industry. 

Brugman’s advice to other companies in maritime or offshore staffing? “Go for it. TripPlanner is the best solution we’ve found.” 

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