Since the start of the economic crisis in 2008, the Dutch maritime industry has shrunk by 2 per cent. The twelve sectors, including ocean and inland shipping, ports, fishing and shipbuilding, realised a total added value of € 13.8 billion in 2011.
This equals 2.6 per cent of the BNP. The cluster provided 181,000 jobs (2.2 per cent of the total Dutch employment) and welcomes 2000 employees annually. These numbers have been published in the "Maritime Monitor 2012, The Dutch Maritime Cluster" (in Dutch), of which Dutch Minister Schultz van Haegen (Infrastructure and the Environment) presented the first copy to the president of Nederland Maritiem Land, Arie Kraaijeveld.
Resilience
The economic situation will remain difficult. The monitor shows that the maritime industry not only recognises the situation, but also adapts itself to it. Minister Schultz van Haegen called this adjustment ability a sign of resilience.
Turnover Stabilised
In 2011, turnover stabilised when compared to 2010, in some sectors it slightly improved. Due to lower profits (sometimes losses) there was no growth in added value. The sectors hydraulic engineering (+27%), offshore (+17%) and ports (+12%) achieved above average results. Ocean shipping, inland shipping and fishing saw their profits decrease as a result of lower rates, higher fuel costs and less demand. The added value of maritime suppliers decreased as a result of less demand from the international shipbuilding industry. The sectors shipbuilding, maritime services and water sports remained practically stable. Finding and keeping qualified personnel remains a challenge.
Maritime Hotspots
As the domestic markets are under pressure, the industry increases its focus on extra international revenue. That is also a sign of strength, according to Minister Schultz. The sector is traditionally a pioneer in internationalisation. Kraaijeveld: 'The Dutch maritime industry has excellent international trade relationships. Over the past years, Nederland Maritiem Land's Trade Council initiated the Maritime Hotspots, where important maritime areas worldwide work together intensivelt and create synergy between trade, innovation and human capital.'
Innovation
Innovation is crucial for the maritime sector's development. Kraaijeveld: 'NML's Innovation Council and the top sector institute TKI Maritime and companies spend a lot of time and energy on knowledge development and research.'
Maritime Monitor
The Maritime Monitor is an annual "thermometer" that measures how the 12,000 companies in the industry are doing. It does not only look at economic strength, but also at the ability to innovate and developments in the employment market. The monitor is commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, under authorisation of Nederland Maritiem Land.
Picture: Arie Kraaijeveld (left) receives the first copy of the Maritime Monitor 2012 from Minister Schults van Haegen
