NLMA central at General Meeting KVNR
Spring edition General Meeting
This week, members of the Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KVNR) convened at the De Kuip football stadium for the regular spring edition of the General Meeting.
KVNR Chairman Theo Klimp (Royal Wagenborg) reflected on the significant unpredictability and uncertainty currently facing the global shipping industry. At the same time, the Dutch government is increasingly seeking collaboration with domestic shipowners to strengthen the resilience and strategic autonomy of both the Netherlands and Europe. This context highlights the growing importance of the Dutch Maritime Authority (NLMA), which was the central topic during the networking event following the private General Meeting.
Members also took time to reflect on both joyful and somber moments within the association. Recently, former KVNR employee Tonnis Tammes passed away; he had remained a familiar face at KVNR networking events long after his retirement. On a more celebratory note, last Friday, KVNR board member Karin Orsel (MF Shipping Group) received the IMO Gender Equality Award from Arsenio Dominguez at the IMO headquarters in London.
Additionally, changes to the KVNR board were announced. Willem van der Wel (Windcat Workboats) will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of board member Daan Koornneef (Jumbo Maritime).
NLMA networking event
After the networking lunch, KVNR director Annet Koster opened the session together with Stefanie Spekreijse (NLMA director on behalf of ILT The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) is a Dutch regulatory body that oversees safety, sustainability, and compliance with legislation in transport, infrastructure, the environment, and housing corporations. It operates under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, ensuring that regulations are effectively implemented in the Netherlands. ). In the afternoon, the Dutch Maritime Authority (NLMA) was central.
Perhaps the most compelling statement underscoring the NLMA’s significance came from Spekreijse, who emphasized: "We must be able to respond to changing circumstances in the world, which you (shipowners) also face. We hope to contribute to this with the NLMA." Her remarks echoed the sentiments expressed earlier in the day by KVNR Chairman Theo Klimp, who had highlighted the geopolitical challenges confronting the maritime sector.
In one of the breakout sessions, attendees split to discuss government services to shipowners sailing under the Dutch flag. Among other things, the digitization of crew certificates was discussed, including a demonstration. Other development paths were central in the other two breakout sessions: establishing an innovation desk to support shipowners in innovating and modernizing legislation related to shipping.
The meeting concluded with a pleasant networking drink to extensively discuss the future of seafaring Netherlands.
