Peter Goedvolk, former owner and founder of Argos Oil, got involved with First Dutch in 2014. Together with First Dutch’s partners, it was quickly decided that he would jointly lead the company towards the future to accelerate the development of innovative ventures and bring impactful solutions to the market.
About us
The way we are
Founded by Peter Goedvolk and grounded by a 40-year experience, First Dutch is truly globally active and originated in the Port of Rotterdam. Driven by growth our activities are focused on Energy, Health, Technology and Ventures. Our buy and build strategy brought us to a family of companies of 25, with a € 4 billion in revenues and around 3.000 employees. Large projects a/o investments we do together with professional investors in consortia and we have continuous a variety of large initiatives and opportunities on our radar. We are a trusted partner, fuel innovation and embrace the future.
The way we lead
First Dutch is led by entrepreneur and investor Peter Goedvolk and business partners Gina van der Werf and Michel van Bremen. We lead the family of companies by helping and supporting the management of our companies. We have a solid structure based on clear reporting lines and direct accountability. Each business is managed largely autonomously. Our family office is lean and based on a minimum of hierarchy a/o bureaucracy.
The way we manage
Each member of the First Dutch family of companies has its own executive board and which is responsible for all functions as business development, marketing, operations, procurement and supporting staff disciplines. Boards are fully accountable for the way the manage their entity and execute their strategy. The family office operates agile, has informal internal communications and understand fast decision making.
The way we behave
We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and committed to leave the planet in a better state. We are full focused on safety and health with a joined attention for growth, financial performance and top quartile economics. We’ll keep an eye on fixed costs and cash. Our culture is highly entrepreneurial, we are privately owned and act as shareholders instead of share-movers. Business ethics are obvious; what you do not want you to do, does not do that to anyone else.
First Dutch through the eyes of Peter Goedvolk
Watch this video with Peter Goedvolk’s view on entrepreneurship and his ambitions with the First Dutch family of companies.
Our activities
First Dutch operates in three markets, each with its own specialization, but what underpins all our activities is our promotion of a better future for all.
Learn more
Energy
To meet the energy needs of our customers in the maritime, industrial and logistics sectors, our energy division offers a wide range of energy products and services. We help to accelerate the energy transition through our energy network. We address the rising demand for more sustainable energy products and services to enable emission reduction for both ourselves and our customers.
Health
Our health network is committed to strengthening quality and access to healthcare, as well as meeting compliance and safety standards for people and the environment, both now and in the future.
Technology
The technology network is aimed at facilitating digital convergence between industry, businesses and operational processes. By harnessing technological innovations, we will enable a more intelligent, interconnected supply chain and boost efficiencies and productivity.
Ventures
A prosperous world with great companies needs breeding ground for start-ups to become scale-ups. Together with The Unknown Group we embrace and facilitate entrepreneurs to turn world problems into new ventures
Our services
We use our resources and expertise to provide mentoring, funding and networking opportunities to our family of companies, supporting them in bringing their ideas to life and scaling their businesses. By fostering the sustainable growth of our companies, we enable them to amplify their impact while we help drive positive change through their offerings.
With a team of in-house specialists, we offer a wide range of supporting services in the areas of:
- Strategy
- Finance & Operations
- Legal & Risk
- Tax
- Sustainability
- Human Resources
- ICT & Cyber Security
- Risk Management & Insurance
- Innovation
- Marketing & Communications
Our story
The story of First Dutch is a story of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship. Founder Peter Goedvolk started out in the energy industry as a young entrepreneur in 1984. From its beginnings in Hoekse Waard, his company grew into the international energy company Argos Energies, a frontrunner in renewable energy. The company constructed a large-scale biodiesel plant, has been involved in generating CO2-neutral electricity in Germany and was one of the first companies in the Netherlands to blend 5% ethanol with biodiesel at its service stations. This pioneering work in biofuels was recognised in 2006, when Peter was named Port Man of the Year. Well ahead of its time, Peter’s investment was ultimately unsuccessful and was written off, though it proved to be a sign-on to the future. His unprecedented belief and confidence laid the foundation for First Dutch’s family of companies, aimed at making intelligent solutions accessible to all and assisting businesses to scale up sustainably and efficiently.
Shortly after, a unique opportunity arose to bring the business portfolio of the renowned knowledge institute TNO under the wings of First Dutch. This allowed First Dutch to expand its activities into health and technology markets, marking the start of First Dutch as a family of companies.
Our heritage
Guided by Peter Goedvolk’s vision, First Dutch stands for forward movement in a constantly changing world. Discover the complete history of First Dutch and Peter Goedvolk’s entrepreneurial story in our timeline below.
1984
An Entrepreneurial Dream
Peter Goedvolk always was driven to become an entrepreneur. Ultimately, the opportunity presented itself in 1984, when he was offered the chance to acquire Oil Trader Goud in Hoekse Waard and live out his entrepreneurial dream. Goud was an organisation with two employees, who both continued to work for Peter. Peter quickly obtained his commercial driver’s licence to head into the country to sell and supply fuels and lubricants. By taking over Goud, Peter laid the foundation for Argos Energies, which became a large, global organisation with a turnover of more than 20 billion euros in less than 30 years.
1988
GoudVoort Oil
In 1988, Peter became the sole owner of Van der Voort, a wholesale fuel business with several gas stations. With this expansion, Goud’s operations enlarged, and Peter decided to continue his future endeavours under a new name: GoudVoort Olie.
1994
The Inception of Argos Oil
GoudVoort acquired three marine fuel oil suppliers between 1991 and 1994. With this expansion, GoudVoort was able to extend its product offering to its customers while obtaining a moderate shipping fleet. Argos, an organisation based in Vlaardingen, was one of these three companies and supplied ships in the port of Rotterdam with fuels and oil. Due to the internationally resonant name, Peter decided to rebrand the whole company to Argos Oil.
1999
Ceebunker Services
In order to offer lighter oils to its marine customers, in 1999, Argos Oil acquired Ceebunker Services, a company specialising in blending lighter fuel oils for maritime use.
2003
Terminal Pernis, The Netherlands
With its fleet of barges, tankers, warehouses, a depot, and a strategic network of crewed and uncrewed petrol stations, Argos became one of the most prominent independent oil companies in the Netherlands in 2003. Argos also acquired a part of Nerefco’s storage facilities to strengthen its market position in 2003. Nerefco was a joint venture between BP and ChevronTexaco.
This acquisition gave Argos ownership of a terminal with a total storage capacity of 200,000 cubic metres. Here, barges and ocean-going vessels could dock to store and transfer oil products.
2003
Start of biofuel research
Although Argos mainly traded in fossil fuels, the company was highly committed to sustainability. That is why, starting in 2003, the company began exploring possibilities to offer more environmentally friendlier products and launched its research into biofuels.
2005
The take-off of E-fuel
The endurance of fossil fuels and our environmental challenges is forcing the world to look for alternative energy sources. For that reason, in 2005, Argos Oil became the first organisation in the Netherlands to introduce E-fuel at its gas stations. E-fuel is a mixture of fuel blended with 5% bioethanol, a biofuel that produces less greenhouse gas emissions during combustion. On 1 November, the former State Secretary of VROM, Pieter van Geel, officially opened the first gas station offering E-Fuel Netherlands in Gorinchem, The Netherlands.
2005
The transition towards becoming a sustainable energy company
In late 2005, Argos Oil announced the start of construction for a biodiesel pilot plant in Hoeksche Waard, The Netherlands. This plant would test how first-generation biodiesel could be made, with the knowledge gained from the pilot plant would later being used to help construct a large-scale biodiesel plant at the Argos terminal in Pernis, Netherlands.
2006
Expanding the refinery
In 2003, Argos bought a storage site at the Nerefco refinery with a capacity of 200,000 cubic metres worth of storage tanks. In 2006, Argos decided to expand the 11-hectare site to 30 hectares to increase its storage capacity to 500,000 cubic metres. The site’s expansion allowed Argos to enlarge its activities in storing, processing and producing fuel products while fulfilling a long-held wish: the construction of a biodiesel plant to get involved in the fuel production process.
2006
Argos makes racing biofuel E85 available to motorists
E85 is a greener fuel commonly used in the racing industry. In 2006, Argos Oil started offering this biofuel at its forecourts. E85 is a fuel in which 15% of conventional petrol is blended with 85% bioethanol. Aside from being more eco-friendly, the fuel is also known for its advantage of being more powerful than conventional fuels.
2006
Port Man of the Year
For his pioneering work in biofuels, Peter Goedvolk was appointed 2006’s 26th Port Man of the Year by the Rotterdam Port Press Club Kyoto. With the production of biofuels, Argos Oil had given a considerable boost to Rotterdam as a bio-energy port while also contributing to reducing CO2 emissions. Peter himself has said he is proud of this title, but predominantly sees it as an acknowledgement of the entire company, its people, and its activities.
2007
B5 Biodiesel
In April 2007, Argos enhanced its product offering at its forecourts by introducing B5 biodiesel. B5 is a diesel blend containing 5% rapeseed oil, making it a more environment-friendly fuel. Because the fuel primarily consists of traditional diesel, any diesel driver could easily switch to this more sustainable alternative.
2007
BK-Gas
BK-Gas, a subsidiary of Shell, is a supplier of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as, autogas. Unlike other fuels, LPG has a low sulphur level and a more even combustion which enables it to combust nearly without waste. That makes the fuel a much cleaner alternative compared to more traditional fuels.
In 2007, Argos Oil acquired the company from Shell to expand its portfolio of cleaner fuels and strengthen its international position. Consequently, in 2008, BK Gas opened its first outlets in Germany. Argos also foresees a role for BK Gas in the future to supply other more sustainable fuels such as LNG and hydrogen.
2007
Cleaner fuel oil for shipping
Argos started supplying more sustainable fuel oil to the shipping industry in April 2007. Several ships of nautical service providers, such as the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Seaport Police, Rijkswaterstaat, de Koninklijke Roeiers Vereniging, Kotug and Fairplay were supplied with the fuel via Argos’ bunker boat. Argos began this initiative to support the ambition of the Rotterdam Climate Initiative by helping switch as many service companies in the port of Rotterdam as possible to more environmentally friendly fuel oil. Aside from supplying cleaner fuel oil, Argos has also supplied low-sulphur diesel, a cleaner fuel than conventional diesel, to Rotterdam’s Iconic Spido.
2008
Argos Supreme
Argos broadened its product portfolio to serve its customers better and launched its line of lubricants in 2008 during the Bavaria City Race in Rotterdam.
2008
Innovative Power Generation
Argos set up a unique venture to generate clean energy in order to supply electricity to around 25,000 households in Neuss, Germany. At the Neuss plant, Argos installed ‘HUMMEL’ energy systems, which offered an innovative method for producing energy by using biofuel for the combustion process, resulting in a nearly emission-free production process.
A HUMMEL roughly consisted of a fuel tank, a generator, a cogeneration system, and a catalyst that gave the residual gases an advanced post-treatment, in which a relatively small amount of biofuel produced a significant amount of energy or heat. Additionally, the CO2 and NOX particulate emission levels were a mere fraction of what was legally permitted.
2009
Dutch Biodiesel
In 2009, Argos Oil built a biodiesel plant with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes next to its terminal in Pernis.
2009
Carbon Offsetting
In 2009, BK Gas established an eco-LPG programme. With the introduction of this programme, environment-conscious auto-gas consumers could drive climate-neutral at no additional cost.
BK Gas committed to offsetting its entire CO2 emissions from the LPG, which it offered in collaboration with the Climate Neutral Group. The Climate Neutral Group then invested these funds in measurable CO2 reduction projects, such as sustainable forest projects.
2009
First- and second-generation biofuel
Argos Oil built a laboratory at its Pernis terminal for research into new types of biofuels. This laboratory was capable of converting waste oils and second-generation oil into biofuel.
Argos’ Research & Development Team also researched new approaches to large-scale production of high-quality biofuel from organic, non-food feedstock (second-generation biofuel) to move beyond first-generation biofuel.
2010
Stenaline Partnership
Argos Oil partnered with Stenaline to explore potential ways to run maritime shipping with large volumes of biofuels.
2011
Expansion of storage capabilities
The Argos storage facility in Pernis had a total storage capacity of 650,000 m
3. In 2011, Argos undertook the expansion of the site to 1,000,000 m3. At that time, Argos’ storage capacity was recognised as one of the five safest storage sites in the world. It also used residual heat from a nearby factory, which made the terminal’s energy consumption more eco-friendly.
2012
Encouraging the take-off of cleaner fuels
Argos became the first service station in the Netherlands to lower the price of biofuel over regular Euro95. Argos aimed to enhance the take-off of cleaner fuels over traditional fuel with this pricing strategy.
2012
Argos-Shimano
In March 2012, Argos announced to become leading sponsor of the Dutch cycling team, ‘Argos-Shimano.’ This young Dutch team harbored a grand ambition to conquer prestigious races, including the iconic Tour de France.
Guided by their unwavering determination, they sought to challenge the prevailing norms. They embraced the core values of Inspiration, Integrity, Improvement and Innovation, principles that continue to shape the ethos of First Dutch today.
The team’s relentless efforts paid off, as they enjoyed a tremendously successful season, securing a coveted wildcard spot in the 100th edition of the Tour de France. Initially met with skepticism, they astounded both friends and rivals alike by claiming their first yellow jersey. Subsequently, they achieved further triumphs in other prestigious races, such as the Vuelta and the Giro d’Italia.
Today, the cycling team still stands as a testament to the journey of progress, emphasizing the pursuit of excellence through perseverance, trial and error, and attaining the envisioned outcome.
2014
Make it COUNT
After 30 years of entrepreneurship under Argos Oil, Peter Goedvolk embarked on a new adventure with the founding of the trading house COUNT. The organisation focused its activities on both soft commodities, such as sustainable cocoa, and hard commodities, such as oil, gas and renewables.
2015
COUNT Terminal
In 2015, COUNT began the construction of a storage terminal in Vlaardingen for renewable feedstock used in biofuel production.
2015
Start First Dutch
The partners of First Dutch and Peter Goedvolk decided to collectively lead First Dutch towards the future so as to help accelerate the development of innovative companies and bring impactful solutions to the market.
2016
TNO Companies
First Dutch was presented with a unique opportunity in 2016 as they could bring the business portfolio of renowned institute TNO under its wings. Through this acquisition, TNO’s innovative technologies and startups could gain access to knowledge and capital, allowing them to grow effectively in the market. At the same time, First Dutch could expand its business activities in health and technology markets. The integration of TNO companies within First Dutch marked the beginning of our First Dutch family of companies.
2016
Rotterdam Port Fund
In late 2016, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, NIBC, InnovationQuarter, Royal Doeksen and Rotterdam entrepreneurs Peter Goedvolk and Luc Braams decided to launch the Rotterdam Port Fund. Through the fund, they invest in innovative businesses that have the potential to make a difference in the transition to a more sustainable port area.
2018
COUNT Group
In 2018, Jeroen Baaima became the director and principal shareholder of COUNT the trading house would continue its activities under the name COUNT Group. First Dutch, with a substantial stake, would continue to support the organisation in its path towards a sustainable future. COUNT Group trades and distributes energy commodities, CO2-reduced aromatics, and renewable energy sources.
2020
Eliminating animal testing
First Dutch adopted several innovative technologies from its acquisition of TNO Businesses. One of these technologies was the design of an artificial gastrointestinal system. This technology has been developing for over 30 years but has not yet reached the market. TNO invested tens of millions in the technology, and once First Dutch acquired the company, it also invested significantly so as to allow the technology to continue its development. Eventually, under First Dutch’s guidance, the technology could be transformed into a business model and enter the market as the novel TIM Company, offering a way to observe the effects of taking a particular drug without having to perform tests on laboratory animals. Thanks to First Dutch’s confidence in the solution and the TIM team, they successfully worked together to turn the technology into a sustainable business model. The technology has the advantage of being a proven alternative to animal testing, and today TIM has already been able to prevent thousands of animal tests.
2020
Neste takes over COUNT Terminal in Vlaardingen
Neste took over the COUNT Terminal in Vlaardingen on 7 May 2020. With the terminal, Neste intended to strengthen its growth ambition as the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel produced from waste and residual raw materials.
2020
Testing the quality of facemasks to prevent COVID-19 spread
To help prevent the continued spread of the coronavirus, ProQares, a partner of the First Dutch family of companies, was the first institution in the Netherlands to obtain approval to test the quality of face masks.
2020
European Centre for Flow Measuremen
VSL is the National Measurement Institute of the Netherlands. The Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate established the institute as an independent organisation to manage and develop national primary measurement standards. VSL is a partner of the First Dutch family of companies.
2021
NLC Health
First Dutch entered a long-term partnership with NLC in April 2021. The NLC team seeks promising medical inventions and technologies to help grow them into viable health tech ventures. Under this partnership, the First Dutch team has committed to welcoming start-ups into its family of companies at a relatively early stage. This commitment enables NLC to secure new funding earlier to support even more ventures and solutions.
2021
Platform Zero
Platform Zero is a hub focused on innovators in the energy and maritime sector. The team is constantly looking for innovative ventures that will let us work together to solve the planet’s biggest challenges. As announced in November 2021, First Dutch and Platform Zero launched a joint investment initiative to invest 10 million euros over the next five years in ventures that can make a significant difference in the energy transition.
One year later, Platform Zero opened its first Climate Campus in Rotterdam’s M4H district, serving as a physical hub from which to advance the energy transition by helping start-ups in the maritime and energy sector evolve and connecting them with other start-ups and multinationals.
2021
COUNT Westgass AS
Faced with a pressing need to decarbonise the petrochemical market, companies are reinventing themselves to seek cleaner energy solutions. Westgass, based in Stavanger, has sold natural gas in the European market since 2016. It was an indispensable addition to the COUNT Group in the expansion of its portfolio range to include more sustainable energy products. Westgass will carry on its operations under the name COUNT Westgass AS.
2021
Burando Services
First Dutch welcomed Burando Maritime Services to its family of companies in 2021. Burando Maritime Services has been on the scene for 40 years in the port of Rotterdam and has developed into a one-stop-ship service provider for the maritime and oil industry. First Dutch and Burando actively support the maritime sector’s transition to renewable energies.
2021
S5 Agency World
First Dutch became the sole shareholder of S5 Agency World. The takeover enables S5 to accelerate its ambition of becoming the world’s leading port service provider. Backed by strong operating partners with prominent status in the shipping industry, S5 will continue as a unified company with the ability to act in a decisive, fast and agile manner. As S5 has a worldwide network, the partnership will enable the extended offering of low-carbon products and solutions to shipping customers worldwide.
2021
The circular port
Burando Maritime Services, a partner of the First Dutch family of companies, acquired Martens Cleaning to expand its environmental services. Martens Cleaning is an environmental and logistics service provider that serves private individuals, governments, and maritime and industrial sectors. For decades, they have been collecting and processing shipping, domestic and industrial waste. As such, they are responsible for purifying marine waste materials by separating oil, water, and sludge. After this first separation, they then clean the water and oil. Through this process, they can give water and oil a second life, contributing to the circular economy.
2022
Peter Goedvolk, Chairman of the Rotterdam Maritime Board
The Rotterdam Board has appointed Peter Goedvolk as Chairman of the Rotterdam Maritime Board. The Rotterdam Maritime Board is an independent advisory board serving Rotterdam and the region and is composed of 40 prominent leaders from the maritime business community, knowledge institutes and industry associations who join forces to strengthen the Rotterdam maritime cluster. With the appointment of Peter Goedvolk, the Rotterdam Maritime Board enters a new phase as a connecting network in Rotterdam and the region.
2022
FD Gazellen
For the nineteenth time, the Financieele Dagblad organised the FD Gazellen: the awards for the fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands. The awards were presented on Tuesday, 22 November, to businesses that demonstrated at least 20% revenue growth from 2019 to 2021, ended the year profitably, and had a turnover of at least 250,000 euros. First Dutch is beyond proud that COUNT Group was recognised as the runner-up for being the fastest-growing large company in the Netherlands.
2023
2024
40 years entrepreneurship
Founder and CEO Peter Goedvolk of the First Dutch family of companies has been honored as Knight in the Order of Oranje Nassau by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands for his ongoing commitment to developments in the maritime sector and the port of Rotterdam, as well his social support for numerous projects.
He received the insignia from the mayor of Rotterdam and took the opportunity to deliver a passionate plea for innovation and entrepreneurship, urging that Dutch companies remain in the hands of Dutch investors. The anniversary was was celebrated with a festive dinner at the Onderzeebootloods in Rotterdam.
2025-beyond
Our continued journey
Our future focus is to pursue our desire to advance bright ideas and pave the way for a more sustainable, healthier and brighter future. First Dutch continues to enable human progress by fostering sustainable growth of innovative energy, health, and technology businesses.
As we focus our activities on making a tangible impact, we aim to enhance human progress in the following ways:
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In our energy activities, we follow the targets from the Paris Agreement to become carbon neutral.
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We want to eliminate all animal testing and support the research and development of new, alternative technologies.
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We want to help make the Port of Rotterdam the world’s cleanest and smartest port and serve as a role model for others.
