How is it possible in 2026 that crews and shipowners still struggle to find each other?

In an industry that moves billions of tonnes of cargo through waterways around the world, finding the right people to operate vessels should be straightforward.

But for Nelis de Kreek, it wasn't.

After thirteen years in inland barging, including seven years as a superintendent, De Kreek repeatedly saw the same challenge: maritime companies were looking for crew, while seafarers were looking for their next opportunity, yet the two sides were not always able to find each other efficiently or directly.

“The opportunities were there. The people were there. But the connection between the two was missing,” says De Kreek.

It led him to ask: “How is it possible that in 2026 there still isn't an effective platform where crews, seafarers and shipowners can find each other directly?”

His answer was simple: build one. And so Marine-Jobs.com was born.

seafarers and maritime professionals. The platform covers opportunities across inland shipping, short sea, deep sea and offshore.

Seafarers can create a profile, search for vacancies and apply directly in three clicks, while companies can advertise positions and reach an audience specifically interested in maritime employment.

“Maritime is different. We have specific qualifications, experience, vessel types, trading areas and crew requirements,” says De Kreek. “I wanted to create something actually relevant for that world.”

Although the idea originated from De Kreek’s experience in inland shipping, Marine-Jobs.com has been developed for the wider maritime sector, providing a central platform for companies and professionals to find each other.

For De Kreek, the objective is straightforward: make maritime recruitment more direct and efficient for both sides.

“I didn't want to keep asking why nobody had built it,” he says. “I thought: let's make it.”

Marine-Jobs.com is now live and invites shipowners, operators and maritime companies to post vacancies, while crew, seafarers and maritime professionals can create profiles and explore opportunities. A built-in quality check ensures candidates only apply for positions that match their qualifications and experience.