Van Ameyde Marine, the global marine consultancy and surveyor, has expanded its technical expertise with the appointment of Teun Strijbosch as Senior Fire Investigator at its Rotterdam-based sister company, Arntz van Helden, specialised in Hull and Machinery.

The new role gives Van Ameyde Marine in-house access to a certified fire investigation specialist reinforces its role as a trusted partner for shipowners, charterers, insurers, and cargo owners worldwide.

Strijbosch, certified by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), brings over 24 years of maritime industry experience, including nine years as a fire investigator.

Qualified to act as an expert witness in both court and arbitration, his track record includes around 75 fire investigations per year since 2016. This has involved investigating incidents involving vessels such as the Atlantic Cartier, Diamond Highway, An Chang, Almirante Stroni, Lowlands Mimosa, and Federal Kibune, among others. These cases encompassed a wide variety of fires, including those involving cargoes such as vehicles, timber, metal scrap, and bulk commodities, as well as engine room fires.

“Joining Arntz van Helden means I can bring my experience directly to Van Ameyde Marine’s client base and collaborate on fire investigations across the group,” said Strijbosch. “The company has an excellent reputation for its technical expertise and client focus, and I look forward to contributing to that.”

With Strijbosch’s appointment through Arntz van Helden, the wider group now integrates certified fire expertise directly into its operations. The move will deliver faster response times and deeper technical insight, strengthening its ability to support shipowners, cargo owners charters, P&I Clubs and insurers, worldwide.

“This appointment reflects our long-term strategy of embedding technical specialists within the group,” said René van Dijk, Regional Managing Director, Arntz van Helden & Van Ameyde Marine companies Benelux.

“Teun is not only a proven investigator but also certified to international standards, which means our clients can trust the findings from the very start of an incident response. Having this expertise in-house makes us more agile and more valuable to the global maritime community.

“Fire at sea is one of the most serious risks a vessel can face. In depth investigations not only help determine just what happened but can also contribute significantly to the development of new technologies, preventative measures and regulations.”

The company sees the strengthening of its fire investigation team as a direct response to the evolving risk landscape. As the maritime industry evolves and adapts to new automated systems, alternative fuels, and reduced manning, new fire hazards are emerging alongside traditional ones. Fires linked to energy storage, automation, complex electronics and fuels like hydrogen, require an evidence-based approach to investigation, combining science with operational experience.

“Modern vessels present a very different fire profile compared with even a decade ago,” said Strijbosch. “Investigating these cases is not just about identifying damage but understanding how systems interact, from battery chemistry to digital controls. Fire investigations must keep pace with technology if we are to improve safety and manage risk effectively.”

Carl Dedecker, General Manager Van Ameyda Marine, Belgium, said: “Our clients expect us to provide not just surveys but clear, defendable answers when something goes wrong. By adding certified fire investigation to our core offering, Van Ameyde Marine is setting a new benchmark in evidence-led consultancy. Teun’s expertise means we are better equipped to protect our clients’ interests in an increasingly complex industry.”

With the appointment, Van Ameyde Marine underscores its role as a trusted partner in maritime consultancy, integrating fire investigation into its broader portfolio of survey and technical services. The company sees fire investigation not only as a reactive service, but also as a proactive tool for improving safety in the transition to smarter, cleaner shipping.