The Netherlands is committed to strengthen the leading position of the Dutch maritime industry in the international playing field. As such the Netherlands desires to be a leader in innovative maritime areas, such as sustainable and autonomous shipping. Next to this the Netherlands aims to maintain a shipping registry that is internationally competitive in terms of quality and service. To facilitate these ambitions the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management established a dedicated Maritime Authority (NLMA).
The NLMA is devoted to improve and implement efficient and customer-oriented procedures, along with further investment in information management and a proactive approach from the maritime administration.
The objectives of the maritime authority are in line with the overarching goals articulated in the Sector Agenda Maritime Manufacturing Industry and the Kingdom’s Maritime Strategy.
Approach
To achieve this, a more intensive approach is required towards the supervision of certifying bodies and a reduction in task fragmentation. To help achieve these ambitions, the NLMA was established in 2024. In order to achieve its objectives, stimulate and facilitate cooperation within the NLMA, a Coordination Team was established comprising of employees of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), including from the Directorate for Maritime Affairs (MZ), the Directorate for Administrative and Legal Affairs (HBJZ) and the Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). It operates under the direct responsibility of the Directors of the Netherlands Maritime Authority.
The NLMA Coordination Team works along three programme lines that were created in close cooperation with the industry:
- Programme Line I: Improvements in legislation and regulation;
- Programme Line II: Facilitating innovation;
- Programme Line III: Optimising public services and communication to the industry.
When is the maritime authority usually involved?
- When current regulation is not suitable for new emerging technologies or innovation and requires coordination to contribute to the development of regulations nationally and internationally;
- When the issue involves several divisions, such as policy and legal divisions and the Inspectorate;
- When it is needed to brainstorm about new ideas or innovations.
Contact the NLMA through: info@nlflag.nl