Innovation and cooperation are essential to the Dutch maritime equipment suppliers

The Dutch have a long tradition in the production of innovative maritime solutions. As a seafaring nation we have always had many shipbuilding activities in our country, which brings the industry great international status. The Dutch dredging companies, for example, belong to the world leaders and the Dutch shipyards build the most complex ships. Also, the Netherlands have the largest inland shipping fleet of Europe, the offshore sector is flourishing and our navy has some of the most modern ships in the world. Last but not least, the Netherlands are building the most exclusive megayachts and Rotterdam is the largest harbour of Europe.

HME

Trade association Holland Marine Equipment (HME) represents the Dutch suppliers of maritime equipment and services. HME stimulates the development of technical innovations, the clustering of know-how, and strengthens the presence of the membership at foreign markets. The 215 member companies are active in the fields of maritime engineering & contracting, fabrication of installations and components, the supply of maritime services and ship repair.

HME was founded in 1986 by 15 Dutch companies who were active as marine equipment suppliers on the export market. At this time HME’s main business was to promote export, which is still an important part of the activities. HME organises Dutch National Pavilions at NEVA, SMM, Europort Maritime, Nor-Shipping, Posidonia, Marintec, Inmex India, APM Singapore, among others. Further trade missions are organised such as to Russia in 2004 and 2006.

HME also focuses on knowledge transfer and technology, as its member companies recognise that this is vital for the success of Dutch exports. Each year the Dutch minister of Transport presents the HME ‘Maritime Innovation Award’ to a company that proved to be the most innovative. In 2006, Van der Velden® Marine Systems won the price for their innovative EPSTM Thruster, made of synthetic fibre. Further, HME supports companies on technical or practical issues such as:

• Marketing of Innovation
• Total Cost of Ownership
• Design to Maintain
• All Electric Ship Platform
• Marine Propulsion
• Sound and Vibration

Holland Marine House

HME is not only active in Holland. Last August HME opened the second ‘Holland Marine House’ in Vietnam. The Holland Marine House Vietnam will enable Dutch maritime suppliers to firmly set foot in one of the world’s most dynamic upcoming markets in shipbuilding. It is an initiative from HME, supported by stakeholders from industry and government.

The Holland Marine House Vietnam is the second representative office created by HME. The Holland Marine House China was set up three years ago, and successfully services Dutch companies in Shanghai and the rest of China ever since. In the coming years HME will investigate the possibilities of a Holland Marine House in St. Petersburg.

Russian market potential

Ever since the time of Peter the Great, there have been strong nautical ties between Russia and the Netherlands. Russia has recently expressed its ambition to once again be a leading maritime nation in the world. The Dutch government and HME are confident that Russia will succeed and think that the Netherlands can contribute to your success. There are plenty opportunities, not only for supplying equipment, but also for technological co-operation. Therefore the Dutch government and HME developed a dedicated three year project. This project will see HME and a group of their member companies establish an active Dutch market presence in Russia’s maritime market. The project planning includes maritime trade missions, participation at trade fairs, technical co-operation and market research and consultancy.

This project will be officially opened during NEVA 2007 by The Dutch Mayor of Rotterdam, Mr. Opstelten. On Wednesday 26th September 2007, HME and the Netherlands Consulate-General in St. Petersburg will therefore host a reception on board a replica of the Peter the Great built frigate ‘Sthandart’, on the river Neva, from 18.00 – 21.00 hours. For registration please contact Sylvia Boer (Tel.: +31 (0)10 4444 333, E-mail: sb@hme.nl).

NEVA 2007

At NEVA 2007 you will find a collective presentation of 19 Dutch companies in Hall 7, together they offer a broad range of marine technology and services. HME welcomes you to visit their Pavilion. The Dutch Mayor of Rotterdam, Mr. Opstelten, will be present during the official opening of the trade fair.

For more information on Dutch suppliers, the Dutch Pavilion at NEVA or the reception, please contact Sylvia Boer (Tel.: +31 (0)10 4444 333, E-mail: sb@hme.nl). Any requests for proposals can also be sent, our office will redirect them to the appropriate HME members without cost. Alternatively, please visit our website at www.hme.nl

Go to Index of # 3(21) 2007