What's happening

KLM and KVNR accommodate crew changes by establishing air bridges between Amsterdam and seafarer's homes.

May 19, 2020

As a consequence of COVID-19 related travel restrictions, seafarers were practically unable to travel to ships or their homes. The Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners has teamed up with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to realise air bridges between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and countries many seafarers call come.

Message from HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands

May 04, 2020

Message of support to Dutch seafarers (in Dutch) at the moment of 75 years liberation of the Netherlands. HRH Princess Margriet sees similarities of the situation 75 years ago, when Dutch seafarer's fought for our freedom to today's COVID-19 impact on mobility of crew out at sea.

Spliethoff acquires M.V. Palmgracht

April 17, 2020

Spliethoff has acquired a heavy-lift vessel with crane capacity 1,400 mt and registered the vessel under the Dutch flag. The vessel, previously operating in the Beluga Shipping and Hansa Heavy Lift fleet, now trades under the name of Palmgracht. Spliethoff operates over 70 vessels almost all under Dutch flag.

Message to Seafarers away from home

April 15, 2020

Seafarers on Dutch vessels come from various places in the world. During the global COVID-19 crises the planned 'going home' date is often postponed due to travel restrictions. We share this message of support from Minister van Nieuwenhuizen and say thank you to our heroes who ensure the continuation of sea transport.

Contingency Plan and Guidelines Covid-19

March 20, 2020

The Human Environment & Transport Inspectorate published a Contingency Plan & Guidelines in relation to COVID-19 which applies to all ships flying the Dutch Flag. It provides information regarding postponement of inspections and extending the validity of mandatory certificates due to difficulties caused by COVID-19.

The Netherlands takes a seat on the International Maritime Organization Council

November 30, 2019

During the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Assembly, the Netherlands was elected to the IMO Council. For the next two years, our country has thus secured a seat on the daily board of this United Nations agency. The IMO bears responsibility for the international ocean shipping regulations.

New cruiseship under Dutch flag

November 21, 2019

Holland America Line builds a new cruiseliner under the Dutch Flag.

The Netherlands ranks top in Europe in WEF global competitiveness index

October 09, 2019

The Netherlands has overtaken Germany to become the most competitive country in Europe in the latest World Economic Forum rankings of the world’s most competitive economies. The Netherlands, which has risen two places in the global list, is now fourth overall.

Dutch tonnage tax regime extended

July 30, 2019

The European Commission (EC) has approved an extension of three amendments to the Dutch tonnage tax regime until December 31, 2028.

Originally approved in 2009 and 2010, the three measures concern a reduced tonnage tax rate for