At the end of June, a substantial amount of 210 million euros was allocated from the National Growth Fund for the implementation of the Maritime Master Plan, aiming to develop around 40 climate-neutral ships. The subsidy scheme will open from the second quarter of 2024. This is important, because from 1 January 2024, the European Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) also comes into effect for maritime shipping. In the autumn, the KVNR conducted informational sessions across the country with its members regarding the implementation of EU-ETS.
There are now powerful incentives in place to accelerate the greening of the Dutch fleet in the coming years. Despite the significant allocation of funds for the implementation of the Maritime Master Plan, there will be a substantial increase in costs for sea transport from 2024 due to the EU-ETS obligation on the ‘CO2 side’. The KVNR is therefore additionally committed to reinvesting EU ETS remittances for clean shipping. The KVNR will also continue to plead for lowering the ETS threshold from 5,000 GT to 400 GT.
In the field of global climate action, a historic agreement was reached in July 2023. The member states of the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations agreed to a revision of the goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the sector: achieving net-zero emissions in or around 2050. As far as the KVNR is concerned, this a good result that promotes a level international playing field: everyone must act!
The increasingly greener and more efficient propulsion technologies of seagoing ships relies on the availability of sufficient sustainable energy carriers. In 2023, therefore, the KVNR was closely involved in the development of a ‘Fuel Transition Roadmap’ under the supervision of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The KVNR is convinced that there is no single silver bullet, but that there will be multiple solutions for the various types of ships in different market segments. In the KVNR’s view, the exploration of nuclear energy applications should also be explicitly considered in this context.
In addition to all the focus on new construction and refitting/modification, within the context of climate and the environment, attention must also be given to the ship dismantling process. Once seagoing ships are taken out of service for recycling, this process must be carried out in a manner that is responsible for both people and the environment. The KVNR is relieved that the international Hong Kong Convention, agreed upon in 2006 for this purpose, has finally been ratified by a sufficient number of countries in July 2023. The treaty comes into effect in 2025. Due to the international nature of the industry, global regulations are of great importance. The Hong Kong Convention is a great example of such international regulation.
Positions ships: KVNR members navigating the globe
Promoting the job market for seafarers
In 2023, concerns about the availability of qualified seafarers were also at the forefront, also taking into account the demand in the long run. In 2023, the KVNR particularly focused on the shortage of Dutch seafarers. When they retire from their seafaring career, usually after around 5 to 7 years, these seafarers become essential for the industry for other maritime professions in the Netherlands. This includes roles in ship management offices, maritime education, shipyards, and pilotage services. In addition to attracting new students to maritime education, it is also crucial to provide current seafarers with a lasting perspective on a maritime career.
Currently, there are 23,819 seafarers, of which 5,250 hold Dutch nationality, working in the Dutch-flagged fleet. These figures are derived from the first comprehensive study on the demographic composition of the crew on the Dutch-flagged fleet, conducted by the KVNR in the summer of 2023.
Number of seafearers employed on board of the Dutch flagged fleet
The KVNR was and is also actively involded in the development of an Human Capital implementation programme of the Dutch Maritime Network to create as much space as possible for opportunities in the maritime labour market. In addition, the KVNR is also independently stepping up labour market promotion by assisting young people in various ways to find their way to maritime education. The seafaring occupation is a special profession which demands much from those serving on board of ships.
As a maritime nation with major seaports, the Netherlands serves as a host contry for many visiting foreign seafarers. In order to welcome these seafarers ashore, seafarers' centres play a fundamental role. Seafarers' centres function as a "home away from home," providing a space for seafarers to take a break from their workplace, connect with others, and access various recreational facilities, including sportfacilities. Therefore, the KVNR advocates for the establishment of a sustainable funding mechanism for seafarers' centres. The current fundings is inadequate. Shipping companies pay harbor dues in ports and according to the KVNR, a small portion of that contribution could be utilized as a consistent source of funding for seafarers' centres.