Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference brings you a series of columns in which prominent industry representatives share their views on key developments in the offshore oil, gas and energy markets.
The following story is written by MARNIX KRIKKE, Deputy Director Holland Shipbuilding Association / Director CMTI (Centre for Maritime Technology and Innovation)
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On 19 March the Netherlands minister of economic affairs mr. Maxime Verhagen opened a new test facility of MARIN, the well- known Maritime Institute of The Netherlands. The new Depressurized Wave Basin is an impressive and unique facility, ready to be used for testing of propellers, shipboard noise, offshore structures and many other issues.
This facility is part of the Netherlands maritime knowledge infrastructure, and serves clients from the Netherlands and abroad.
Surrounded by concrete walls of 1,5 m thickness, mr Verhagen stated that this facility will strengthen the position of the Netherlands maritime industry. The cooperation between the industry, knowledge centres like MARIN, and the government has contributed to the leading position of the industry in the world export markets. These three stakeholders have to renew and strengthen their relationship continuously in ever changing and very demanding conditions. Why do we need such a strong national cooperation in a truly international and global business?
The key to success for the industry is to make the right choices in a very competitive world market. The Dutch companies have made the choice to specialize in niche markets which require complex and sophisticated ships. Examples of these are offshore work ships, dredgers, mega yachts, tugs, coastal and inland ships and ships for governmental services and defence. Recently a new category of ships has been added: ships for installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Another high potential market is deep sea mining.
There are other factors contributing to this success. Read the entire column here .
[mappress] March 27, 2012