OUR TEAM

Henk Smith, Owner/Director (Global Operations)

Captain Henk Smith is the Co-Founder of Marine Masters, an independent company providing expert services for the salvage, maritime and offshore energy sectors headquartered in The Netherlands. He has over 25 years of experience in chemical tankers, salvage and offshore experience in a wide range of projects involving all aspects of salvage and offshore construction.

A salvage expert himself, Henk is actively involved in day-to-day operations at Marine Masters and brings a depth of technical knowledge to the team’s leadership. His career has seen him consult for offshore heavy lifts, towage and transportations, with specific vessel experience in anchor handling, ocean going (salvage) tugs and supply vessels.

Prior to establishing Marine Masters, Henk gathered hands-on industry experience as a salvage master, project manager, operations manager and regional managing director at Smit Lamnalco alongside consultancy roles in the salvage and oil and gas sectors.

Danny Spaans, Owner/Director (Global Operations)

Danny Spaans, co-founder of Marine Masters, has a wide range of operational & technical expertise in the field of offshore projects spanning the salvage, oil & gas and wind industry. His background in naval architecture and well-developed organisational skills allow him to provide customised support for clients across the various phases of a project.

With over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, Danny’s expertise and leadership are key to overseeing projects at Marine Masters. Working closely with each team, he ensures that plans and operations are executed on time and within budget without jeopardising project safety.

Prior to working with Marine Masters, Danny has played a vital role in a number of salvage projects, decommissioning projects and offshore transport & installation operations in various roles, ranging from Structural Engineer, Project Manager & General Manager at SMIT Marine Projects to Director Operations of SPT Offshore.

Amanda Drinkwater, Commercial Account Manager (UK/ EU)

Amanda is the commercial account manager for the UK and EU at Marine Masters.

She started her career in 1991 in the Merchant Navy. In 1994 she joined HM Coastguard, UK’s national maritime emergency service, based in several locations in an operational role responding to air sea search and rescue incidents.

During her career, she has been the Assistant to the Secretary of State Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP).

Amanda has attended several marine casualties such as ‘Lagik’, MCS Napoli & ‘MV Lysfoss.’

Kajal Festen-Purohit, Account Manager (South Asia)

Kajal Festen-Purohit is an account manager for Marine Masters, overseeing regional operations in South Asia as the Director of IndiMaritime Solutions.

She has over 20 years of experience working in global markets and is an expert in the fields of business development, commercial management, designing strategies for leading international companies and in detailing entry plans for target markets.

Based in Mumbai, her range of experience comprises marine services and salvage operations and market development. Kajal is uniquely well-versed in networking and liaising within complex markets and/ or challenging regional environments which may entail higher risk.