In August 2025 the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management has sent a letter to Parliament, detailing the first-year results of the Netherlands Maritime Authority (NLMA) and the Authority’s planned next steps. The NLMA was established to enhance the competitiveness of the Dutch shipping register and to serve as a central point of contact for the maritime sector. In 2024, an additional €1.3 million was allocated to support the NLMA as a collaborative body within the ministry.
Key program lines and results
During 2024–2025, the NLMA’s activities focus on three program lines:
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Modernization of laws and regulations
The Kingdom Act on the Nationality of Seagoing Vessels (Rnz) came into effect on 1 July 2025. In cooperation with the Cadastre, a new public flag register was created, listing all ships entitled to fly the Dutch flag. The register is globally accessible and forms the basis for issuing digital certificates.The Seagoing Vessels Crew Act (Wbz), also effective 1 July 2025, updates maritime regulations, reduces administrative burdens, and provides flexibility for innovation and maritime education.
Preparations for commercial unmanned shipping are underway, including technical requirements for ships, personnel onshore, and remote control centres. - Strengthening knowledge and innovation
The NLMA established an innovation desk, inspired by the Danish model, to handle complex applications efficiently.
The NLMA supports projects under the Maritime Manufacturing Industry Strategy (MMI), such as nuclear ships, the Maritime Masterplan, and Smart Maritime. The Netherlands has taken a leading role in EU initiatives regarding nuclear-powered shipping.
- Improvement of public services
Digitalization has accelerated the issuance of permits and certificates. In 2024, 2,700 certificates were issued with an average processing time of three working days.
Account management agreements have been made with three shipping companies, and a fourth is being supported with a newbuild program for methanol-powered innovative ships.
Evaluation of the NLMA
Industry input collected for the first-year evaluation showed that 80% of respondents saw strong added value in the NLMA. Key functions identified include acting as a point of contact for the sector, facilitating innovation, and taking a leading international role. Strengths noted were collaboration, sector engagement, and a connecting role within the maritime cluster. Areas for improvement include stronger leadership on certain topics and greater decision-making authority.
Future Plans
The Minister notes that the NLMA will continue building on these results, using additional resources to expand its staff and capacity. Collaboration with the Rijksregiebureau MMI will continue, focusing on innovative developments to strengthen the Dutch flag’s attractiveness and the maritime cluster. Special attention will be given to innovative ships where tailored solutions can increase the Dutch flag’s competitive edge. The overall goal is to maintain the Netherlands as a quality flag state, internationally recognized for its high standards, knowledge, and innovation in shipping.