Healthy growth for Dutch marine cluster

The total order book for seagoing vessels in Dutch yards has remained stable at a substantial level, says the association, with 99 new vessels delivered in 2014, with a value of €1bn. The tonnage of seagoing vessels delivered in the Netherlands rose in 2014, ending a decline that started in 2007, and orders for seagoing vessels at Dutch yards decreased although there were notable orders in the form of a number of series-built short sea vessels.

“Overall we see a nuanced picture, with ups and downs,” says Hans Voorneveld, chairman of trade association Netherlands Maritime Technology. “It is crucial to remain resourceful and to continue to innovate and export. The sudden mid-year fall in oil prices led to a decline in orders from the offshore oil and gas industry.”

“Our sector supplies a wide range of markets, however, and this decline was offset by rises elsewhere, especially for offshore windfarm vessels, superyacht construction, patrol boats and other specialised boats,” he added.

The maritime supply industry in general also had a good year, with a significant increase in sales of more than 10%. Many companies took on extra staff and some had to use their production capacity to the limit. The growth has mainly come from export and the activities of foreign subsidiaries. The turnover of the approximately 670 Dutch maritime suppliers was €3.8bn in 2014, compared to €3.42bn in 2013.

Elsewhere, inland shipping, fishing and small-scale seagoing trade below 100 tonnes remains a big industry in the Netherlands. In 2014, vessels worth more than € 600 million were delivered. Declining output of cargo vessels for inland shipping was offset by the completion of no fewer than 14 river cruise boats.