Upcoming Trade Shows in Netherlands for Boats

The maritime industry, from building boats to port technology and shipping, makes up a very big segment of the Dutch economy. The Netherlands is a global maritime leader for several reasons – a strategic location, robust infrastructure and heritage going back centuries. The Dutch maritime sector generates €18.7 billion in added value and sustains approximately 165,000 jobs. All in all, there are 12,000 companies in operation today. The country’s maritime success is owed to its extensive shipping industry. It boasts the world’s largest dredging fleet and the largest European inland barge fleet. Furthermore, the Netherlands ranks third in the European Union for shipbuilding with a prestigious yacht-building sector that distills decades of craftsmanship and innovation into singular boats. The Dutch government actively supports the development of the Dutch Maritime Network, facilitating collaboration and promoting the country’s maritime interests under the trademark Maritime by Holland. This initiative aims to strengthen the Netherlands’ maritime cluster through communication, policy development, education, and various additional projects. Shipbuilding in the Netherlands has evolved into a sophisticated sector specializing in custom-built ships for various purposes, including heavy cargoes, offshore activities and dredging operations. The country’s ship-repair industry, the second-largest in Europe, benefits from its strategic location along the world’s busiest shipping lanes and the presence of Europe’s largest port in Rotterdam. The Netherlands’ marine equipment supply industry, comprising over 800 companies, serves as the backbone of the country's maritime economy. With an annual production value of €3.9 billion, Dutch suppliers offer a wide range of marine products and services, covering shipping and offshore technology. The concentration of ports, shipyards and repair facilities has created a conducive environment for industrial suppliers. In a globalized marketplace, Dutch suppliers maintain a competitive edge. Just-in-time deliveries, co-production and streamlined services explain why the Netherlands is a preferred destination for maritime businesses worldwide.