The Dutch maritime sector grows stronger through cooperation. This follows from the 2025 Maritime Monitor, presented on 10 December to Robert Tieman, the outgoing Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management. The biggest challenge for the coming years is finding and retaining talent.
Compiled for the second year in a row by the Erasmus UPT, Nestra and Berenschot consortium on behalf of the Ministry and published by the Dutch Maritime Network, the Monitor shows that despite increasing pressure on the North Sea, digital threats and geopolitical tensions, the sector remains optimistic.
Innovation, sustainability, and quick adaptation to new risks remain the sector’s priorities, driven by initiatives like the Maritime Masterplan, Smart Maritime, and SeaSEC. The rise of electric and hybrid vessels is helping the industry become cleaner and more strategically independent. The main challenge is attracting and retaining talent, with collaboration serving as the cornerstone for a safe and resilient maritime future.
Also read: Maritime Monitor finds cluster remains crucial for Dutch economy
Employment and education
The Monitor outlines the socio-economic impact of the Dutch maritime cluster. Direct employment in 2024 rose slightly compared to 2023, reaching 173,097 jobs. Including indirect employment (137,419), total employment in the cluster amounts to 310,516 jobs (2023: 313,471).
However, the numbers of maritime students reveal a worrying trend. The number of students enrolled in maritime programmes has been declining relatively sharply since 2020 and more so than the national average. The drop in student numbers is visible on all levels (secondary vocational education (MBO), higher professional education (HBO) and university (WO)). Between 2020 and 2024 the number of students dropped from 25,444 to 18,900.
Strong economic performance
Direct added value increased sharply in most segments in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching EUR 25.3 billion. Combined with indirect added value (EUR 12.1 billion), total added value stands at EUR 37.4 billion. With EUR 94.5 billion in turnover, the cluster performed well compared to long-term averages.
‘The economic significance of various sectors peaked in 2022 due to the energy crisis and geopolitical unrest,’ says Eelco Rietveld, Managing Consultant at Berenschot. ‘This eased somewhat in 2023, with most sectors growing again in 2024.’
Sustainability gains continue
The transition toward sustainability continued in 2024, with more vessels using alternative propulsion in both seagoing and inland shipping, and more electric and circular innovations in dredging and yacht building.
‘CO2 emissions are still up two per cent compared to 2023, but the earlier rapid growth is levelling off,’ says Rietveld. ‘This may indicate early effects of decarbonisation, though the sector remains cautious with major investments while it is still unclear which fuels and propulsion systems will dominate. The postponement of the IMO Net Zero ratification to 2026 adds to this uncertainty.’
Also read: Maritime industry becomes more important for Dutch economy
Government cooperation and security
In addition to quantitative analysis, the Monitor includes interviews with key industry figures about strategic priorities. ‘They emphasise the importance of lasting cooperation between government and industry and shared responsibility to maintain international competitiveness,’ says Damiaan Goetstouwers, Consultant at Berenschot.
Security — both for the Netherlands and Europe — also remains urgent. Goetstouwers: ‘This includes the physical protection of ports and shipping, as well as strengthening digital and information systems.’
Agility is crucial
A third essential factor is agility. ‘Maritime organisations are preparing for new international regulations, leveraging technological breakthroughs and implementing inclusive work practices that actively involve diverse talent,’ says Sander van de Wijngaert of Berenschot. ‘Combining foresight with the ability to connect people, technology and policy allows the sector to turn challenges into opportunities, driving sustainable growth.’
The Maritime Monitor 2025 and the Port Monitor 2025 are available for download on the Dutch Maritime Network website.
Also read: ‘It took a war to put Dutch shipbuilding back on the agenda’
