Smart Delta Drechtsteden and Altena have signed a letter of intent that is to strengthen the regional maritime cluster in the Drechtsteden and Altena in the Netherlands. Both clusters focus on inland shipping, specialised shipbuilding, hydraulic engineering, delta technology and infrastructure construction.
The Drechtsteden are a group of municipalities in the Dutch province of Zuid Holland, while Altena is a municipality in the province of Noord-Brabant. Signing of the cross-provincial agreement took place on Friday 5 September by aldermen Maarten Burggraaf (municipality of Dordrecht) and Hans Tanis (municipality of Altena). The signing was also attended by Dordrecht mayor Nanning Mol and Altena mayor Egbert Lichtenberg.
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One ecosystem
The maritime clusters of the Drechtsteden and Altena share many similarities. The sector faces major and urgent challenges, such as the transition to zero-emission shipping and dredging, and to sustainable transport by water.
Through this cross-provincial partnership, the two regions are creating one robust ecosystem in which businesses, knowledge institutes and education providers can collaborate, leveraging each other’s strengths to accelerate innovation in practice. This cooperation across provincial borders offers the regional maritime cluster a strong position both nationally and internationally.
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Leading in maritime manufacturing
Alderman Burggraaf of Dordrecht, portfolio holder for maritime affairs at Smart Delta Drechtsteden: ‘Our maritime clusters already possess world-class expertise. As cooperating authorities, we can provide even stronger support to attract more funding and identify opportunities to accommodate the growth of these companies. This is crucial for our regional economy, but also for Dutch and European autonomy and security.’
‘Our maritime entrepreneurs have long looked beyond borders when it comes to cooperation,’ adds Alderman Nederveen of Hardinxveld-Giessendam. ‘With this broader regional partnership, we as local authorities are following their lead. As alderman for the economy, I am pleased and proud that we are now also working together with our southern neighbours, turning the provincial border from a barrier into an opportunity for stronger connections.’
Alderman Tanis of Altena, concludes: ‘The maritime cluster is unique and of great importance to the Netherlands. As a municipality, we are investing in a new port in Werkendam, with plans to expand to a third. This partnership between Altena and the Drechtsteden strengthens the maritime sector, giving us greater collective clout. Together, from one united cluster of maritime companies and suppliers, we are strategically investing in innovation and resilience. Working alongside knowledge institutes and governments, we will remain a powerful player in the international market.’
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Facts & figures
- The seven Drechtsteden municipalities are home to 1200 specialised maritime companies, together generating more than EUR 5 billion in annual turnover.
- In Werkendam, 52 cooperating maritime companies are located on one site.
- Werkendam accounts for 37 per cent of all new inland vessels built in the Netherlands.
- In 96 per cent of all newbuild ships in the Netherlands, at least one builder, supplier or service provider from Werkendam is involved.
- In both regions, over eleven per cent of the workforce is employed in the maritime manufacturing sector.
Picture: From left to right – Mayor Egbert Lichtenberg, Alderman Hans Tanis, Alderman Maarten Burggraaf and Mayor Nanning Mol (photo by Leonard van der Kuijl).
