Relevant organisations

Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Ministry)

Within the register, the Maritime Shipping Unit of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is primarily responsible for policy and regulation matters. New policies and regulations are discussed with trade associations, the trade unions and all other relevant stakeholders.  The Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI), part of the Ministry, supports the Maritime Shipping Unit in the preparation of national and international legislation. 

The Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI)

The Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI) is part of the ‘Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport’ (ILT) of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. It has a supervisory role regarding compliance with laws and regulations and it issues ship certificates. NSI monitors vessels flying the Dutch flag, foreign vessels visiting Dutch ports, crews, shipping companies and classification societies performing duties on behalf of the Dutch ministry. NSI issues ship certificates to ship owners, such as certificates of nationality and certificates of registration. Certain other certificates are issued by classification societies and Kiwa, especially authorized on behalf of the minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.  NSI monitors the quality of the authorized organizations such as classification societies and Kiwa register. 

Recognized classification societies

The NSI has authorized seven EU recognized classification societies to perform statutory certification services, including the issue of certificates. It concerns the certificates which are required by the international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, Tonnage Measurement, Load Lines and ILO 152.

The Netherlands' Cadastre (Kadaster)

The Netherlands’ public record organization, Kadaster, collects and registers data on property and the rights involved. By doing so, Kadaster protects legal certainty. This also goes for ships. By applying for a ship registration, the owner publicly records the vessel and formally establishes ownership. The ship will receive a legal brand with a unique registration code, and the owner receives a proof of registration. Kadaster closely works together with the Dutch Shipping Inspectorate and civil-law notaries. After registration the owner can establish mortgage.

Kiwa Register

On behalf of the minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Kiwa register is mandated to provide documents for seafarers. Kiwa issues, amongst others, seaman’s books, certificates of competency for seafarers and for working on tankers, and ship's cooks. Also, certain dispensations are being issued by Kiwa.  

The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA)

The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) is an operational unit of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The NFIA assists companies at every stage of establishing or expanding operations in The Netherlands. Free, confidential services offered by NFIA include: organizing fact-finding missions; arranging meetings with relevant partners; and providing personalized guidance and counsel on tax, government and permit procedures, location options and business solutions. 

The Invest in Holland Network is a collaborative team of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, regional economic development agencies and several large cities. The network works to provide a continuum of free, confidential support services to new foreign investors, as well as existing foreign investors that already have operations in the Netherlands. 

Start with NFIA and they will connect you to the right partners in the network of Invest in Holland to assist with everything from recruiting talent to introducing you to powerful public-private partnerships.