Insights into the maritime industry

Last Wednesday, Annet Koster and Nathan Habers visited Minister Reinette Klever for Foreign Trade and Development Aid on behalf of the KVNR to get acquainted.

Visiting a ship for a study course, how nice is that! On Tuesday 10 December, IT students from the minor Hack@Sea, which is taught by NHL Stenden's Maritime IT Security department, visited shipping company Wagenborg's Kasteelborg.

This week was the last time this year that the ECSA board, chaired by Karin Orsel, met in Brussels.

In the latest Brussels update, the KVNR looks back at developments in Brussels over the past month. November closed with the official approval of Ursula von der Leyen's team. In the coming five-year mandate, the new Commission aims to usher in a new industrial era in which sustainability and innovation will be central.

Yesterday, the KVNR, Maritime Delta, Buccaneer Delft and PortXL organised the Innovation Radar event together. This meeting aimed to inspire attendees with the latest digital innovations and informative keynotes. The event featured two inspiring speakers, 10 innovative startups and around 15 Dutch shipping companies.

Yesterday, Annet Koster and Louis Stolper entered into talks with Minister Barry Madlener of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) on behalf of the KVNR. This ministry is responsible for, among other things, Dutch shipping policy and the ILT. As such, the ministry has a lot of influence on the business climate of Dutch shipowners.

Karin Orsel wins the IMO Gender Equality Award 2025 for her dedication to diversity in the maritime sector. An inspiring role model and proud pioneer!

Exactly one year ago today, a helicopter carrying armed Houthis landed on the deck of the Galaxy Leader. The crew was held at gunpoint and then the ship was hijacked. This attack not only marked the start of a troubled period in the Red Sea but also the start of a now year-long nightmare for the crew.

"A thriving Dutch shipping industry depends on a dedicated maritime authority. The Netherlands is currently losing ground in the global fleet market. Restoring the prominence of a large, strong, and high-quality Dutch flag must become a priority, fostering maritime entrepreneurship."

Shipping is the logistical backbone of global trade and the economy. From massive cargo ships transporting goods and raw materials to vessels installing wind farms at sea, around 90 percent of everything we consume travels by sea. Despite its small size, the Netherlands plays an outsized role in this industry. To guide these ships safely from port to port, shipowners rely on skilled seafarers who bring both expertise and resilience to every challenge they face. By the end of this article, you’ll have gained insight into the dynamic world of seafarers and the essential role they play in maritime trade.

How do we make the hundred thousand ships sailing the world's oceans more sustainable in the next 25 years?

eafarers on Dutch seagoing vessels receive wages based on the price level of their country of residence. This is in line with a balanced system of international conventions and collective bargaining agreements. So says the Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KVNR) following media coverage of a hearing by the Human Rights Board on whether discrimination based on nationality exists in shipping.