The KVNR
Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners
The Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) is the representative of Dutch-based shipowners active in the shipping industry. We are committed to a maritime climate in which shipowners worldwide can have prosperous business, use clean ships which sail safely with competent crews.
The KVNR focuses on representation of interests in politics, government, the maritime cluster and society. We also represent our members in consultations with national and international bodies, such as the International Maritime Organisation
With our expertise, we support shipowners in navigating the complex regulations and promote sustainable and safe shipping practices that respect people and the environment.
The Board
The board is responsible for policy-making. The KVNR office is policy preparatory and executing. The board consists of up to 14 members and elects a chairman and vice-chairman among its members.
Member participation
Within the KVNR, members are encouraged to participate in various groups, not only to exchange knowledge but also to assist the organization in developing positions, actions, and initiatives.
Our team
At the KVNR secretariat, a professional staff is working on varying topics that are relevant to the Dutch shipowners. The KVNR staff is maintaining close relations with the members, inter alia at the board level and in committees and working groups.
Contact
Contact the KVNR for all your questions about membership, the Dutch shipping industry or other maritime-related matters.
The history of the KVNR
The KVNR has existed in its current form since 1992. During this year, the Royal Dutch Shipowners' Association (KNRV) and the Association of Dutch Shipowners in Small Commercial Shipping (VNRK) joined forces in the newly formed Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KVNR). Ten years earlier, the VNRK itself was the result of a collaboration between the Royal Seamen's College De Groninger Eendracht and the Association of Employers in Small Commercial Shipping.
Royal
The KVNR proudly carries the predicate Royal. One of the KVNR's legal predecessors, the Royal Dutch Shipowners' Association (KNVR), received the predicate Royal in 1955 on the association's 50th anniversary. When the KNVR merged with the Association of Dutch Shipowners in Small Commercial Shipping (VNRK) in 1992, the Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KVNR) was created. The KVNR has now been in existence for over 25 years and the association carries the honourable predicate Royal. This was perpetuated again in 2012 for a period of 25 years.
The connection with the Royal Family is broader. In fact, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet is godson of the merchant navy. Her father, Prince Bernhard, was patron of merchant shipping. The Princess therefore has close ties with merchant shipping and regularly attends maritime events, including special member meetings of the KVNR.
