Ton Klijn

Director ESTA

Ton Klijn is a highly respected figure in the heavy transport and lifting industry. A former Managing Director of Wagenborg Nedlift, he served as Director of the European heavy transport and lifting association ESTA from 2017 until his retirement in July this year. He has played a key role in shaping industry standards and collaboration across Europe, and despite retiring remains actively involved in advancing standards. He is currently leading ESTA’s Working Group on Modular Hydraulically Suspended Trailers (MHST). In this role, he works closely with manufacturers and transport operators to drive the development of the European Trailer Operators Licence (ETOL), supporting greater safety, standardisation and professionalism across the sector.

2026 Event Agenda Sessions

Setting a new benchmark for heavy transport, the European Trailer Operator Licence (ETOL) is set to transform how operators handle the industry’s most complex and high-stakes moves – from 1,000-tonne ship sections to ultra-heavy reactor components. For the first time, a unified, Europe-wide training and certification framework for modular trailer operators, including SPMTs, is being introduced by leading transport companies, equipment manufacturers, warranty surveyors and principal clients.

This session reveals the creation of ETOL, revealing the latest on its rollout and adoption, and exploring how it will drive greater safety, consistency and professionalism across the sector while reducing risk and boosting client confidence. With implementation on the horizon for 2026–2027, now is the time to understand what ETOL means for your business and how to get ahead.

Thursday 18 June 10:30 - 10:50 Breakbulk Voices Stage

Add to calendar 06/18/2026 10:30 06/18/2026 10:50 Setting a new benchmark for heavy transport, the European Trailer Operator Licence (ETOL) is set to transform how operators handle the industry’s most complex and high-stakes moves – from 1,000-tonne ship sections to ultra-heavy reactor components. For the first time, a unified, Europe-wide training and certification framework for modular trailer operators, including SPMTs, is being introduced by leading transport companies, equipment manufacturers, warranty surveyors and principal clients.

This session reveals the creation of ETOL, revealing the latest on its rollout and adoption, and exploring how it will drive greater safety, consistency and professionalism across the sector while reducing risk and boosting client confidence. With implementation on the horizon for 2026–2027, now is the time to understand what ETOL means for your business and how to get ahead. Breakbulk Voices Stage Europe/London

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