A group of prominent Dutch superyacht companies will join forces with trade organisation Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT) in the newly established Holland Superyacht Platform. Previously, these companies were united in Hiswa’s Holland Yachting Group.
This new strategic alliance will mainly focus on the global branding and export promotion of the superyacht building industry to strengthen the entire Dutch maritime manufacturing industry.
The superyacht companies and the more than 400 members of NMT have a lot in common. They all specialise in high-end shipbuilding and cutting-edge maritime technology. From this perspective, the connection of the superyacht construction industry to the NMT network is a logical step.
Creating Business Opportunities
Marcel van der Spek, co-founder of Esthec, a company that specialises in the production of composite decks for yacht building, and until recently chairman of the Hiswa Holland Yachting Group, is very enthusiastic about the collaboration: ‘NMT has a great track record when it comes to creating new business opportunities for its members worldwide. That is why I am convinced that NMT is the right partner for our industry.’
For centuries, the Dutch flag has guaranteed the highest quality in the field of craftsmanship and innovation in shipbuilding. Last year, the total turnover of the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry grew to 7.3 billion euros. At the end of 2018, the total order book of the superyacht construction industry had an estimated value of 4.1 billion euros.
NMT’s Managing Director Roel de Graaf is proud to have the superyacht construction industry on board: ‘More than ever, we now represent the best that the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry has to offer.’
Companies Have Outgrown Water Sports Sector
For a long time, the Holland Yachting Group was part of trade organisation HISWA. Members include well-known superyacht builders such as Amels, Feadship, Heesen, Moonen, Oceanco and Royal Huisman. With ships becoming larger and technology more advanced, NMT seems to be in a better position to promote these companies than Hiswa, which is more focused on the (much smaller) water sports sector.
Picture: Luxury yacht Symphony (by Frans Berkelaar).
