The Netherlands Maritime Authority (NLMA), established in 2024 as a collaborative body within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), has made a promising start, according to the industry evaluation that was completed in 2025.
A survey conducted among industry stakeholders, mainly employees of shipping companies and classification societies, showed that 80% see a (strong) added value in the NLMA. The authority is recognized as the main point of contact for the sector, a driver of innovation, and a frontrunner at the international level, for example at the IMO. Its connecting role, effective communication, and promotion of collaboration were highlighted as key strengths.
As such, the NLMA is fulfilling its founding purpose and gaining momentum in improving its service performance, connecting stakeholders and working together to strengthen the Dutch flag.
Feedback suggested extra efforts to create increased visibility of underlying activities in the various program lines. There was also a call for the NLMA to take a more prominent role and exercise more decision-making authority—providing valuable points for further discussion.
Netherlands Maritime Authority
The Netherlands is committed to strengthening the leading position of the Dutch maritime industry in the international playing field. 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 NLMA was established in 2024 by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
This article was first published in the NLMA newsletter of October 2025