Richard Dijkema is Senior Project Manager at Hulst Innovation Cable Equipment B.V., where he’s spent over sixteen years developing machinery for the offshore wind sector. With a strong focus on safety, technical problem-solving, and client collaboration, Richard has seen the industry grow and evolve — especially in how it documents and delivers solutions.
In this interview, he shares what makes his job both demanding and rewarding: the international nature of the work, the satisfaction of solving complex challenges, and the small but crucial innovations that can make a major impact on efficiency.
Richard also reflects on the shifting dynamics within offshore wind companies — from the increasing focus on documentation to the growing need for personal contact and technical understanding among clients. His story offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to keep offshore wind projects running safely and smoothly.
Full Interview:
In conversation with Richard Dijkema, Senior Project Manager at Hulst Innovation Cable Equipment B.V.
A dynamic world in offshore wind.
Richard Dijkema has been active in the offshore wind sector for sixteen years, specializing in the supply chain. At Hulst Innovation Cable Equipment B.V., he works on the development of machines for the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms. His work is dynamic, varied, and requires a solution-oriented mindset. We spoke to him about his daily tasks, the challenges and highlights of his career, and his view on the future of the sector.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Project Manager
No day is the same for Richard. His work brings a lot of variety, partly due to the international contacts he maintains. “I start every morning with a round through the workshop to see how everything is progressing. After that, it depends on the day: preparing quotes, client visits (which are increasingly happening via Teams), or attending trade fairs.”His workweek schedule is flexible and can change quickly. “At the start of the week, my calendar looks relatively empty, but as the week goes on, it’s often completely full. That makes it challenging, but also incredibly fun.”
The Best Aspects of the Job
What Richard appreciates most about his work is the variety and the need to think in solutions. “No day or week is the same. There are always new challenges and issues that require a creative approach. That keeps me sharp and makes the work interesting.”
Challenges in the Offshore Sector
One of the biggest challenges in his work is the lack of knowledge from clients. “Sometimes you deal with a procurement department that doesn’t know exactly what they need. This makes it difficult to sell a technical product to someone without technical knowledge.” His approach? “Personal contact is crucial in such cases. You need to ensure that the right people are at the table, so you can work together to come to a good solution.”
A Proud Moment
One of the moments Richard is most proud of is a project where their solution drastically reduced the loading time of a ship. “Normally, loading took three weeks, but thanks to our innovation, we were able to reduce it to ten days. That was a huge win for the client and gave a great sense of satisfaction within our team. Everyone was happy: the client, our factory, and ourselves.”
Contributing to Safety and Efficiency
In the offshore wind sector, safety is a crucial aspect. Richard plays an important role in advising clients on the best and safest solutions. “Clients often ask, ‘What do you think is the best solution?’ Sometimes they already have an idea, but we can offer them a more effective and safer solution. That’s one of the great aspects of my work: thinking along and advising, so that ultimately everyone benefits.”
Changes in the Sector
Since Richard started in offshore wind, he has seen significant changes in the sector. “There’s much more focus on documentation now. Companies want to cover everything with calculations and estimations. Currently, we spend 60% of our time making products and 40% on documentation. This is also changing the dynamics within the company; we now have many different roles, from engineers and project managers to document controllers and financial departments.”
The Future of His Role
In the coming years, Richard hopes to focus his tasks more specifically. “At the moment, my time is mostly consumed by daily matters, while I’d prefer to focus on aftersales. Fortunately, we’re increasingly able to leave tasks like document control to specialists, so I can focus on the core of my work.”
With a clear vision of efficiency and innovation, Richard continues to contribute to the offshore wind sector. His work directly supports the growth and safety of sustainable energy projects worldwide. And that makes it, despite the challenges, a sector full of opportunities and fulfillment.
Richard Dijkema’s experience reflects the pace, complexity, and problem-solving mindset that defines the offshore wind supply chain. From improving loading times to advising on safer, more efficient solutions, his work shows how practical innovations can make a real impact. His story also highlights the importance of strong client relationships and flexible project management in a sector that continues to expand and adapt.