Maritime sector in the Northern Netherlands

The maritime industry in the Northern Netherlands has played a major role in the region’s economy. With Groningen’s deep-rooted legacy in coastal shipping and offshore activities, combined with Friesland’s focus on recreational shipping and yacht building, the two provinces have long played a significant role in the global maritime sector. Today, the sector relies on international talent to bolster the industry during its climate-neutral transformation.

Groningen boasts a strong maritime sector, with over 100 companies employing more than 4,000 people. With major ports like Delfzijl and Eemshaven, the region is a hub for shipping, logistics, and energy, while also leading the charge in green shipping initiatives. Managed by Groningen Seaports, these ports are central to the region's economic activity, including efforts to enhance sustainability in maritime operations.

Blending tradition with innovation

The Northern Dutch maritime sector is only as strong as the companies that form it. However, with a range of companies with years of experience, the region has built a solid foundation of expertise and reliability. Royal Wagenborg, headquartered in Delfzijl, exemplifies this strength as one of the region’s leading shipping companies, providing vital logistical connections between ports and industries.

Around 60% of all owners of coastal shipping boats are located in the Northern Netherlands, and around 90% of all Dutch coastal shipping boats themselves are built in the North.  

Sustainability is central to the region’s maritime growth. Knowledge centres, universities, companies and other stakeholders have therefore teamed up to create The Green Maritime Coalition, initiated by the Groninger Maritime Board and Conoship International. The coalition is spearheading the transition to emission-free shipping. With several projects already in motion, the coalition aims to cut CO2 emissions by 10 million tons annually by 2030, securing the future of shipbuilding while generating thousands of new jobs.

Canals of opportunity in Friesland

With several ports and maritime clusters along a single stretch of water, Friesland is a key hub for shipbuilding and maritime industries. The province has the exceptionally large Van Harinxkanaal running 37.5km from the North Sea port of Harlingen, through the inland port of Franeker, and along past several smaller towns to the provincial capital of Leeuwarden. Along this stretch of canal are more than 100 maritime-related businesses, from multi-generational shipyards, to companies specialising in off-shore technology, and various storage facilities for both cargo and watercraft themselves. 

Leeuwarden is home to a highly regarded institution for aspiring maritime professionals: Firda, formerly ROC Friese Poort. Since its merger with Friesland College in 2023, Firda has continued to provide a wide range of courses on maritime technology, shipping, and fisheries, tailored to meet industry demands. Companies can also ask Firda for specialised training for employees in specific areas or comprehensive programs covering multiple disciplines. Subject areas include safety training for shipping, water-sports industry readiness, ship and yacht-building, and more. With strong industry connections and modern facilities, Firda remains a key player in maritime education in the Northern Netherlands. Firda has multiple locations in both Friesland and Flevoland.

Just north of both Groningen and Friesland lie the Wadden Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the location of significant studies into the marine ecosystem. Among them, the picturesque island of Terschelling is home to the Willem Barentsz Maritieme Instituut, part of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. The institute offers a range of maritime education programs, including bachelor's degrees in Maritime Technology, Ocean Technology, and a course for Maritime Officers. The institute also runs a master's program in Marine Shipping Innovations. Beyond its academic courses, it conducts research in three main areas: Sustainability and regulation, advanced maritime operations, and modeling and simulation of maritime artifacts.

The Barentsz Institute is not the only institution preparing future sailors, shipbuilders, and maritime professionals in Friesland. In Harlingen, the Maritieme Academie Harlingen provides residential training for careers at sea, while the province also boasts its own research center for maritime history at the Fryske Akademy.Beyond education, Friesland is at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation. The Green Shipping Waddenzee Programme is leading efforts to develop emission-free and fossil-free ships through both new construction and the retrofitting of existing vessels. The program also focuses on creating sustainable port facilities and running pilot projects to improve the environmental impact of different ship types, as well as enhancing ports' capacity to produce and supply green energy.