Trends and opportunities Download PDF
The market
The Netherlands hosts a strong marine market sustained by a healthy national culture steeped in rich maritime heritage. With 13 per cent of the European Port Segmentation in 2005 and approximately 600 marinas, the marine industry in the Netherlands holds strong prospects for exporters.
The Dutch coastline is spread across 451km, however, Netherlands' inland waterways represents the densest network of rivers and canals in Europe stretching over 6000km in total. As such, most boating activities in the Netherlands are confined to the sheltered inland waterways with the largest areas being Ijsselmeer in the North and Oosterschelde in the South.
Pleasure boats account for some 500,000 vessels, 60 per cent of which are motorboats. The boat charter sector is also rapidly growing with an estimated 250 firms renting approximately 3,400 motor and sailing vessels, making an annual turnover of around US$26 million a year.
With a population of 16 million inhabitants, boat ownership per capita is 1:30. Dutch producers generally export larger transport vessels, whereas the local market for smaller polyester sailboards with an average of 26-36ft is supplied largely by foreign exporters. Imports of yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports increased sharply between 2002 and 2003 from around US$94 million to US$115 million, as Dutch consumer confidence returns after a slight slump in 2004.
Present indicators show growth in the aftermarket sector of boating equipment and supplies. With a large consumer base of pleasure boats and vessels, there is increased demand for products with a focus on quality maintenance services, and equipment to enhance comfort and safety such as global positioning systems, electronic charting products, communications systems, and other sophisticated upmarket tools.
Proposed changes by the Dutch government have the potential to stem future recreational boat ownership. Heavy boating taxes and a new system of boat registration will increase the average expenditure on a 32ft boat by US$350 per year.
The demand in the market for superyachts has doubled over the last 10 years, with the order books of Dutch producers
completely full.
Opportunities
A discerning buyers shift towards higher quality products and services, opportunities in the market lie in the following sectors:
Further information
For further information and to discuss your specific export needs to this market contact our Dutch marine specialists within our |