A spectacular journey through time in Seatrade colours
A spectacular journey through time in Seatrade colours
On Saturday, 20 June, more than 350 colleagues, close business partners, and friends from around the world gathered in Groningen to celebrate Seatrade’s 75th anniversary. Dressed in Seatrade company colours, guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, shared memories, and unexpected performances.
The historic Martinikerk provided an impressive setting for the opening programme. Groningen dialect-singer Wia Buze performed the regional anthem alongside the church organist, followed by a poem written especially for Seatrade by Groningen’s city poet, Esmé.
One of the evening’s first surprises unfolded throughout the church as dozens of violinists and cellists appeared from different corners of the Martinikerk, filling the space with music. Their performance gradually developed into a lively production of song and dance, bringing Seatrade’s 75-year journey to life. Throughout the programme, guests enjoyed fine food and warm hospitality.
The evening also featured several meaningful moments. On behalf of all Seatrade employees, a specially commissioned painting depicting Seatrade vessels through the years was presented to the company management. Guests had also been invited to support the Kaibigan charity instead of bringing anniversary gifts, raising a generous amount for its valuable work.
Another moving moment was the unveiling of a KNRM rescue watercraft bearing the name Geert, in memory of our shareholder, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The watercraft will be deployed in rescue operations around the beautiful northern Wadden Islands.
The First Lady of Dutch soul, Edsilia Rombley, brought the programme at the Martinikerk to an emotional close with a beautiful performance of The Way We Were. Caribbean dancers and drummers then led the guests to the evening’s second -and until then secret- location: the Prinsenhof, the former residence of the Princes and provincial Governors of Nassau. The colourful procession transformed the journey between the two historic venues into an unforgettable part of the celebration.
At the Prinsenhof, the festivities continued with performances by Franklin Brown & The Tiny Little Bigband and Edsilia Rombley and her band. A DJ kept the music going late into the night, bringing the evening to a joyful close on the dance floor.
It was a colourful celebration of music, memories, and togetherness, honouring 75 years of Seatrade while looking ahead to the many stories still to come.
