VSNI and HME merge

The VNSI (Netherlands? Shipbuilding Industry Association) and HME (Holland Marine Equipment Association) have combined their representative activities into a new association called ?Scheepsbouw Nederland? (Holland Shipbuilding Association) which will be based in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands.

The Holland Shipbuilding Association (HAS) represents about 400 members with a total maritime turnover of ? 6 billion, an export volume of ? 3.5 billion, and a combined direct workforce of over 25,000 people. The HSA will be the voice of the Dutch maritime industry to the national and European government, press relations, other trade associations and international contacts.

Fred van der Wal is appointed as chairman of the Association and Martin Bloem as general director.