POLICY PRINCIPLES
MAASVLAKTE OIL TERMINAL STATEMENT OF GENERAL POLICY PRINCIPLES
Introduction
The general policy principles explain and confirm the principles that Maasvlakte Olie Terminal (MOT) applies in its business operations. We are judged by our actions, and our reputation is therefore only safeguarded if we always act with honesty and integrity, doing what we conscientiously believe to be right within the legitimate role of business. We consider upholding our reputation to be of fundamental importance. For MOT, sincerity, integrity, and respect for people are fundamental concepts. We attach great importance to promoting trust and openness, to collaboration, professionalism, and to a justifiable pride in our performance. Our policy principles apply to every transaction, large or small, and describe the behavior expected of all MOT employees in their business operations. Clear procedures ensure that employees understand and act accordingly. MOT recognizes that maintaining the trust of partners, employees, and business associates, as well as the public, is crucial for continued and successful business operations. Our goal is to be worthy of this trust by adhering to the policy principles. It is the responsibility of MOT management to ensure that all employees are familiar with these policy principles and act in accordance with both the letter and the spirit thereof.
1. Objectives
MOT aims to conduct its business efficiently, safely, and responsibly within the oil industry. MOT strives for high quality in its operations and for the long-term sustainability of the company.
2. Responsibilities
MOT's responsibilities cover five areas of focus:
I. Partners – Maintaining the invested capital.
II. Partners – To provide high-quality products and services at the lowest possible cost, without compromising safe and reliable business operations, efficient and professional management of installations, and responsible care for the environment.
III. Employees – Providing good and safe working conditions and offering good terms of employment, which, all things considered, will be comparable to those of similar companies in the sector; encouraging the development and optimal use of talent; creating equal opportunities; involving employees in the planning and targeted execution of their work and in the application of these policy principles within their company. MOT recognizes that business success depends on the full commitment of all employees.
IV. Business Relationships – Striving for mutually beneficial relationships with contractors and suppliers, promoting the application of these policy principles. The ability to effectively promote these policy principles is important in deciding whether to establish or continue such relationships.
V. Society – Conducting business as a responsible member of society, acting in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Observing health, safety, and environmental standards, in line with the commitment to contribute to sustainable development.
These five areas of focus are considered inextricably linked. Therefore, MOT's management has a duty to continually establish priorities through mutual consideration and, based on that determination, to act to the best of its ability in accordance with its responsibilities.
3. Economic Principles:
A responsible cost level is essential for fulfilling these responsibilities. Effectiveness and efficiency are key concepts. Responsible cost levels and service quality must contribute to added value for the partners' profitability. This is important for both the continued existence of the company and the justification for securing sufficient financial resources for the necessary investments. Investment criteria are not exclusively economic but also take into account social and environmental considerations, as well as an assessment of the investment risk.
4. Integrity
in Business MOT prioritizes honesty, integrity, and fairness in all aspects of its business operations. MOT also expects this in its relationships with all those with whom it does business. Offering, paying, soliciting, or accepting bribes in any form whatsoever, directly or indirectly, is unacceptable. Employees must avoid any conflict of interest between their own (financial) activities and their participation in company affairs. All business transactions conducted on behalf of MOT must be accurately and properly recorded in MOT's books and be auditable, in accordance with established procedures.
5. Political Activities
I. Company Activities – In pursuing its legitimate business objectives, MOT acts in a socially responsible manner and in compliance with laws and regulations. MOT does not make payments to political parties and organizations or their representatives and refrains from party politics. However, in dealings with government agencies, MOT has the right, and indeed the obligation, to make its position known on matters affecting its interests or those of its employees or partners. Furthermore, MOT has the right, to the extent it can make an effective contribution, to make its position known on matters of public concern.
II. Employees – When individual employees wish to participate in community activities, including running for public office, they will be given the opportunity to do so if this is appropriate in light of local circumstances and not contrary to the interests of MOT.
6. Health, safety and environment
In line with its commitment to contributing to sustainable development, MOT approaches the management of health, safety, environment and security in a systematic manner, with the aim of achieving continuous improvement of performance in these areas.
This is managed by MOT at least in the same way as other critical business activities. To this end, targets are set for continuous improvement, and performance is measured, assessed, and reported.
7. Harassment
MOT rejects any form of harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, nationality, marital status, age, and physical or mental disability, as well as any other form of intimidation. The goal is to create a work environment that promotes mutual respect and working relationships free from harassment.
8. Society
The most important contribution MOT can make to social and material progress is to carry out its core activities as efficiently as possible. MOT also plays a constructive role in social issues that are not necessarily directly related to business operations as such.
9. Economic Competition
MOT supports free enterprise and wishes to compete fairly and ethically within applicable competition regulations. MOT will not prevent others from competing freely.
10. Communication
MOT recognizes that open communication is essential, given the nature of its work and its social importance. Therefore, MOT is willing to provide legitimate stakeholders with information about its activities, provided it does not involve confidential business information, can be provided at a reasonable cost, and does not harm MOT's interests.
Compliance
Responsibility for complying with the above policy principles rests with each individual MOT employee. This responsibility includes not only complying with these principles but also seeking advice on how to act in the spirit of these principles in cases not specifically covered by existing guidelines. In the event of situations, developments, or incidents that could conflict with the General Policy Principles, these should be discussed first with the employee's manager. If, given the circumstances, this is not appropriate, the Managing Director or the Chairman of the Supervisory Board should be contacted.
