The shipping company with the white star was and is a true concept in Rotterdam. Men who wear the blue tie with the white star are still associated with Van Nievelt Goudriaan & Co. (NIGOCO). This company, which was established in 1905, became a big name in short sea cargo services and cargo services between Rotterdam and Latin America. The company owned more than 60 ships during its heyday.

The company was sold to the Dutch SHV in 1968, in order to prevent it from falling into foreign hands. J.C. Goudriaan, a nephew of one of the founders and 45 years old at that time brought the company back into the family after long negotiations in 1983. The transition from general cargo to containers was not favourable for NIGOCO. In order to save the company, Mr Goudriaan was obliged to sell NIGOCO to the financially strong Danes. They were forced to surrender in 1991. Mr Goudriaan planned a fresh start under the name Van Nievelt Goudriaan & Co. Scheepvaartmaatschappij BV. This was realised in 2001. The present company, rooted in a long tradition, is particularly focussed on new shipping developments.

Port Promotion - offered by Van Nievelt Goudriaan & Co. Agenturen BV, a subsidiary, under the name NIGOCO Port Promotion - is one of these activities.