After good results in 2013, the Dutch shipbuilding sector and maritime suppliers can boast considerably larger order books inviting further growth in 2014.
The total turnover increased from € 6.1 billion in 2012 to € 6.6 billion in 2013. This year, Dutch trade association Netherlands Maritime Technology (former Holland Shipbuilding Association) expects a further increase in turnover for the Dutch shipbuilding industry.
Chairman ir. J.J.C.M. van Dooremalen says the worst is behind us and expects the economy to grow. Netherlands Maritime Technology calls on the Dutch government to stimulate this positive development by continuing to work on measures that strengthen technological education and innovation, that maintain the level playing field and that promote export.
Innovative Domestic Market
Thanks to intensive cooperation between ship owners and maritime companies, the Dutch are in the lead in developing and building green and efficient ships and systems. This makes it easier to acquire financing for such projects. Dutch maritime suppliers have been able to strengthen their order books. The companies keep the knowledge and management at the Dutch establishments and value their position in a strong cluster and a stable and innovative domestic market. Most growth is in export and activities at foreign establishments.
Dutch Shipbuilding in 2013
The Dutch shipbuilding industry's turnover increased from € 6.1 billion in 2012 to € 6.4 billion in 2013. Empolyment, however, decreased from 29,466 fte to 29,361 fte.
- Ocean going newbuilds: In 2013, 77 ocean going ships were delivered (2012: 95). The order intakes consisted of 136 ships (2012: 61 ships) with a total value of € 2.3 billion (2012: € 764 million). The export share was 59% (2012: 58%).
- Maritime suppliers: The approximately 670 Dutch maritime suppliers' turnover amounted to € 3.42 billion in 2013 (2012: € 3.37 billion). Total employment in Dutch maritime supply dropped from 17,616 fte to 17,361 fte. In 2013, for the first time, figures became available about the number of temporary jobs with maritime suppliers. On average, the maritime suppliers employed 2257 full-time temporary workers in 2013.
- Repair, conversion and maintenance: Turnover amounted to € 515 million in 2013 (2012: € 551 million), employment ammounted to 2635 fte (2012: 2000).
- Small and inland ship: In 2013, 114 small and inland ships were delivered. The order book per 31 December amounted to 84 ships (2012: 73 ships).
- Large yachts: In 2013, 23 super yachts were delivered (2012: 18) with a total value of € 807 million (2012: € 657 million) and 36 new contracts were sigend (2012:14) with a total value of € 1.4 billion (2012: € 589 million). The order book at the end of December consisted of 66 super yachts (2012:59) with a value of almost € 2.7 billion (2012: € 2.2 billion).
Global Shipbuilding
In 2013, the number of ships delivered clearly decreased for the first time. Worldwide, 20% less tonnage was delivered than in 2012. The number of new orders, however, increased significantly causing the world order book to grow again. After 2014, the number of deliveries is expected to rise again. A return of the peaks from some years ago, however, is not expected as the order book is still only half as big as in 2008.
In addition, China is working hard to reduce shipbuilding capacity. Many large Asian shipyards have deployed part of their capacity for building lucrative offshore ships and platforms. The shipbuilding revival is largely driven by private equity finds and the trend for fuel and emission reduction.
Apart from the three large Asian shipbuilding countries China, Korea and Japan and the developments in Europe, it is most noticeable that the Phillipines are now the fourth shipbuilding nation. Russia was in the news with large plans to boost its shipbuilding industry. The Brazilians, who built up a large order book over the past years, now put their energy in delivering those ships.
European Shipbuilding
Europe also profits from the revival of shipping, although not as much as the Asian yards. This is because European yards mostly thrive by building complex specials, such as offshore ships, cruise ships, dredgers and tug boats. These segments were not hit as hard by the economic crisis.
A number of European countries, including the Netherlands, realised a strong order intake in 2013. Together, the European yards saw their orders increase by 50% when compared to 2012. Within the EU, Italy and Germany also performed well, while Spain was getting back on the horse, aided by a new version of the Tax Lease. Norway and Turkey did well in offshore ships.
The numbers above (from the Dutch annual report) were presented at the public annual meeting of Netherlands Maritime Technology on 8 May.
