On Wednesday, 29 April, SFPE Benelux gathered at the iconic Havenhuis in Antwerp for the SFPE Benelux General Assembly 2026. With sunlight reflecting from the building’s remarkable diamond-and-ship silhouette, the setting offered an inspiring backdrop for professional exchange.

Holding the meeting in the Havenhuis boardroom highlighted the close relationship between bold architecture and fire safety engineering—two disciplines that must work together to create safe, resilient, and distinctive buildings.

An inspiring afternoon combining content, discussion, and connection, exactly what SFPE Benelux stands for.

New board members join SFPE Benelux

During the General Assembly, Lisa Mattys and Pim van Rede were formally elected as new members of the Board of Directors. SFPE Benelux warmly welcomes these two promising young professionals and looks forward to their ideas, energy, and contribution to the chapter.

Fire engineering accreditation and derogation processes

Kris De Troch delivered a thought-provoking presentation that prompted an engaged professional discussion. Two issues stood out as particularly relevant to the future of fire safety engineering in the Benelux:

• Professional accreditation of fire engineers and its role in strengthening quality and trust.
• Differences in fire safety derogation processes across countries and the need for continued cross-border dialogue.

Both themes are important to the profession and provide a clear basis for further action, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the SFPE Benelux community.

Exploring the Antwerp Port House

SFPE Benelux thanks the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (POAB) for generously providing its facilities. Special appreciation goes to Mie Vaassen, whose expert, engaging, and humorous guidance made the Havenhuis tour both informative and memorable.

The visit offered a valuable real-life perspective on the relationship between architectural ambition, building use, heritage, and fire and life safety requirements.

Thank you, François Asselman

The chapter also extends a very special thank you to François Asselman, who stepped down from the board after many years of dedicated service. François was closely involved from the earliest days of SFPE Benelux and has been a valued contributor to both the chapter and the wider fire safety engineering sector.

His commitment, experience, and collegial spirit have left a lasting mark. SFPE Benelux is deeply grateful for everything he has contributed.

Real-life fire and life safety challenges

SFPE Benelux regularly visits distinctive buildings and infrastructure sites, each with its own fire and life safety complexities. Previous visits have included Hotel August, a historic property with significant preservation constraints, and Brussels Airport, one of Belgium’s most critical transport hubs.

These visits connect technical knowledge with the realities of complex buildings and help strengthen the professional network advancing fire safety engineering across the Benelux region.