On 30 June, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management received 210 million euros from the National Growth Fund, of which 110 million euros conditional, for the implementation of the Maritime Master Plan.
In particular, this plan aims to accelerate the energy transition in the maritime sector.
We are very pleased with this award. Although we cannot implement the entire master plan with these funds, we can take a good step in accelerating the development.
…said Rob Verkerk, chairman of the Nederland Maritiem Land foundation.
As explained, the maritime sector is crucial to the prosperity, safety and energy needs of the Netherlands and includes ports, shipping, shipbuilding, fishing and hydraulic engineering. This gives it a total added value of 56.5 billion euros. But it is also fundamental for the infrastructure for transport, renewable energy production, (national) coastal protection and maritime safety.
As informed, the maritime sector has a common denominator, the ships. These are responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, including CO 2 . The Maritime Master Plan aims to drastically reduce those emissions.
The plan envisages the development, construction and commissioning of approximately 40 climate-neutral demonstration ships that will sail on the alternative fuels hydrogen and methanol or on LNG with carbon capture. These processes are supported by a digital platform on which data is shared and stored. The implementation of the Maritime Master Plan will additionally increase the potential and labor productivity of the maritime workforce thanks to the Human Capital Programme.
For our country, a strong maritime sector is indispensable for the major social challenges of our time, such as military security, energy security and keeping our feet dry. The Maritime Master Plan is a solid foundation for the sector agenda that we will present in October.”
…Marja van Bijsterveldt-Vliegenthart, special envoy on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy for making the maritime manufacturing industry future-proof added.
