Europe’s position in the maritime world, and the Netherlands’ in particular, receives a lot of attention in the Dutch Maritime Master Plan.
The Netherlands’ and Europe’s place in the world
In our changing world, in which geopolitics, climate change and the energy transition play a major role, Europe and the Netherlands would do well to keep an eye on the maritime sector. In fact, it deserves a great deal more attention than it’s currently getting!
The Maritime Master Plan aims to create a cyclical innovation chain within the Dutch maritime sector. The focus is on coastal and inland shipping, hydraulic engineering, offshore wind and maritime safety. The plan will not only boost the Dutch sector, but also contribute significantly to achieving climate goals, protect national security and strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy.
Ambitions
Part of the plan is to significantly boost the maritime sector, amongst others by developing and building about forty sustainable demonstration ships. Beyond the obvious benefits, this will also help regain (part of) the market share lost to countries in Asia.
Another ambition concerns security: both military defense and protection of vital infrastructure, notably infrastructure on and under the North Sea’s waters. This includes protecting wind farms and energy and data cables.
Sharing knowledge
Innovation plays a crucial role in building a modern fleet. Developing new propulsion systems are key to this, but also sharing data. By exchanging information, necessary innovations can be realized faster (for example, switching to cleaner fuels).
“The digital and physical worlds will increasingly come together and blend, allowing us to do ship design, construction and operation faster, cheaper and safer,” says Mariël van der Linden, digital collaboration program manager for the Maritime Master Plan. “I have in mind further steps in digitization and automation in shipbuilding, new ways of three-dimensional design with information from different parties. Which then leads to, for example, augmented reality applications for crew and mechanics on a ship and new applications with perhaps AI.’
Human Capital
The Maritime Master Plan’s Human Capital program aims to increase the potential and labor productivity of the maritime workforce. Further training, developing knowledge around climate-neutral shipping and digital skills are key components. Research into new work and management processes and life-long development ensure that people are well-prepared for the labor market of the future.
Incidentally, this applies equally to maritime service providers in the Netherlands and other European countries. Assisting captains in all kinds of situations, dealing with stowaways, investigating cargo damage… People will continue to play an important role in this work, and continuously improving the way we share information and collaborate is the best way forward.
NNPC Correspondents are ready and at your service 24/7. We are happy to answer any questions about the Maritime Master Plan or connect interested parties to the people shaping and implementing it.