Rotterdam port company halts internships after three die in two fatal accidents

All internships and work-based learning positions at Rotterdam port company C. Steinweg have been suspended following two recent fatal accidents that left three employees dead, the Foundation for Vocational Education (SBB) announced.

Last week, a 21-year-old man from Capelle aan den IJssel was killed when aluminum blocks fell on him while unloading a ship at Steinweg’s Botlek Terminal. Until September 22, 15 students were interning or working at the company; all have now been reassigned to alternative placements.

“This concerns all company locations and all educational programs,” SBB spokesperson Joël Friso said. “It is exceptional that a permit is withdrawn due to a series of fatal accidents. Now that another fatal accident has occurred, we have decided to withdraw the recognition immediately.”

According to RTL, Steinweg said it is “deeply affected” by the incident and is providing support to the families. The company emphasized that it meets all safety requirements, regularly monitors safety measures, and runs awareness campaigns and training programs to maintain a safety culture.

The latest death follows a June 2025 accident in which two employees were killed and two others injured during ship loading and unloading. Since 2017, eight Steinweg employees have died in workplace incidents. In 2018, a 17-year-old STC student also died while interning at a Steinweg facility. The 21-year-old last week was a former STC student.

The Scheepvaart- en Transportcollege (Shipping and Transport College, STC) said it is “deeply affected” and has suspended cooperation with Steinweg for internships. Any future placements will depend on the results of ongoing investigations.