The history of the Fisheries Cooperative Urk is a fascinating story that begins in May 1922. The cooperative was established as a response to the challenges faced by fishermen who were stuck in harbors due to unfavorable weather conditions at sea.
What originally began as a collaboration to pool the purchase of gas oil and greases grew into a long-standing pursuit of cost-effectiveness and cooperation within the Dutch and European fishing community.
In May 1922, the Fisheries Cooperative Urk was founded by fishermen who were stuck in the harbor due to bad weather. The primary goal was to pool the demand for gas oil and greases, allowing the cooperative to make collective and more cost-effective purchases. To this day, this remains one of the key objectives, with VCU positioning itself as the Maritime Specialist since 2008.
Since 1990, VCU has been a member of the United European Fisheries Cooperatives (VEVC), enabling collaboration with other Dutch and Belgian fisheries cooperatives. This cooperation results in higher discounts from suppliers, leading to cost-effective services for the fishing industry.
Within the VEVC, VCU plays a connecting role, as it does in the Fisheries Waste Materials Financing Foundation (SFAV). Through these channels, the cooperative supplies vessels with various fishing essentials, including fishing nets, chains, ropes, gas oil, and lubricants.
Around 2004/2005, VCU anticipated the growing demand for safety courses and equipment. Together with other cooperatives, it established the VEVC Safety Center. This initiative addressed the challenges within the fishing sector and offered a broader range of services.
