The sales department is divided into seven areas, namely the Benelux, North, West & South Europe, East & South East Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. The diversity between sales activities and the consequent market approach in the seven areas is extensive because of the differences in product types, distribution, types of customers, collaboration with agents, political influences, government regulations, method of project funding etc. Area Sales Directors and Sales Managers are frequently required to travel. The trips usually consist of visits to prospective and (existing) customers. Partners include: employees at government agencies, port operators, shipping companies, contractors and marine service companies. The Sales Manager is responsible for the local sales activities and turnover in a number of countries within the area.