Meet Our team
Stephan Lubberhuizen
Proud owner of Protea Maritime Connection, Stephan Lubberhuizen has been in the international Maritime Industry for over 20 years. His reputation in international Dredging is supported by vast experience in Crew Management, Recruitment, and Secondment.
With a BA degree in International Business and Languages, Stephan worked initially in the hospitality industry and as a purser on cruise liners. Passion for the Dredging Industry runs strongly in Stephan’s family at both national and international levels; he recalls a childhood surrounded by dredgers of all types. He lives in Rotterdam in the Netherlands where Dredging is synonymous with his way of life.
Vaughn Wright
Vaughn brings a wealth of experience and a multifaceted skill set to the forefront of maritime recruitment operations. He plays a pivotal role in optimising operational strategies and fostering a synergy between innovation and maritime recruitment best practices.
Vaughn’s professional background is rich with diverse roles that have honed his expertise in strategic planning, program management, and operational efficiency. His acumen in steering complex projects to success and his knack for enhancing team performance are testaments to his leadership capabilities. Vaughn’s proficiency in marketing and project management is instrumental in driving growth and facilitating transformative change.
A graduate of Stellenbosch University, Vaughn combines his educational background with practical experience to deliver exceptional results in the dynamic environment of maritime recruitment operations.
Tandy Toich
I have worked in many fields, restaurants, retail and for a long time in the film industry as a director and producer’s assistant
I love a challenge and I can think on my feet. I am good at working with people. I love the maritime industry and I love the fact that Protea Maritime Connection is giving maritime job opportunities to South Africans and the chance to improve their lives. I am organised and enjoy meeting our potential new crew. Together with Liz we run all logistics and visa issues for Protea Maritime Connection.
Sylvia Remmers
Sylvia, a seasoned financial administrator with over 20 years of experience, joined Protea Maritime Connection in 2017.
Initially serving as a vital support in processing timesheets and document archiving, she quickly became the cornerstone of the backoffice operations.
In her pivotal role, Sylvia ensures that every candidate is meticulously furnished with all necessary documents, showcasing her commitment to the dynamic maritime industry.
Her dedication and adaptability make her an indispensable asset to Protea Maritime Connection, contributing significantly to the uniqueness and efficiency of the organization’s daily operations.
Bjørn Praalder
Bjørn Praalder is our financial officer since 2017. He has been working in the finance industry for over 25 years. Educated with a BA degree in Hospitality Business at Hotel school The Hague. Bjørn started his career in the airline industry and later changed to finance.
He was brought up on sailing yachts and works from our office facing the marina in The Hague. As he has lived in several countries and travelled the world, he is familiar with the irregular working days of our crews.
Liz Clarke
Liz Clarke officially retired on January 6, 2025.
We are deeply grateful for her many contributions to Protea Maritime Connection BV over the years.
Thank you, Liz, for everything!
