Dutch maritime manufacturing industry sector agenda creates opportunities for Finnish companies
The Dutch government published a Maritime Manufacturing Industry Sector Agenda in cooperation with the Dutch maritime industry at the end of 2023. As a result, the government and the maritime sector have committed to a joint investment of €60 million in innovative shipbuilding between 2024 and 2025. The agenda is highly relevant for Finnish maritime companies, as it sets out the future objectives of the Dutch maritime industry and policymakers and identifies Finland as a potential partner.
The focus of the agenda is on the green transition and improving the economic and military independence of the Dutch maritime industry. The foundations lie in the ambition to make the Dutch maritime industry more autonomous in the current environment of growing instability and international competition, especially from outside NATO and the EU. Although the Netherlands aims to achieve greater independence in various sectors, it recognizes the need for partners and collaboration, which could be beneficial for the Finnish maritime industry. Furthermore, the green transition is considered an essential part of the maritime industry's future.
The demand for ships is expected to increase in the coming years, and the Netherlands aims to be prepared to meet this demand. The design and construction of new ships are especially important in the context of defense and the energy transition, although projects related to national security are to be implemented at the national level. The Netherlands is keen on taking the initiative in various coalitions and advancing the issue on the EU agenda to enhance the global competitiveness of the European maritime industry. The Netherlands is also interested in fostering cooperation through its embassy and consulate networks.
TO WHOM IS THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR?
The agenda identifies Finland as one of the potential partner countries. Thererefore, there is a prime opportunity for Finnish companies to explore new partnerships and business ventures in the Dutch market within the field of shipbuilding and vessel operations.
SOLUTIONS OR PRODUCTS NEEDED
Solutions are sought in areas such as digitalization and automation, energy efficiency, electrification, shipyard efficiency and the adoption of new fuels. The Netherlands is especially committed to enhancing the circularity and sustainability of Dutch ships. One of the plans mentioned in the strategy is the Maritime Master Plan, which secured EUR 210 million from the National Growth Fund in 2023.
The current goal is to build 40 sustainable ships powered by alternative fuels such as methanol, self-captured CO2, hydrogen, and LNG. The maritime expertise of Finland has recently been highlighted in the Dutch media. For further details, please see SWZ | Maritime’s Finland-themed December issue.(Link to another website.)
SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR FINNISH COMPANIES
- Team Finland delegation visit to Dutch shipyards and stakeholders on 7th to 10th October 2024(Link to another website.)
- 1-to-1 market advice to the interested Finnish companies including establishing networks
Contact: Maria Lieto (Trade Advisor, Trade and Economic Affairs, The Embassy of Finland in the Netherlands), maria.lieto (at) gov.fi