Maritime Industry

The Netherlands’ strategic location along the North Sea offers significant logistical advantages. World-renowned ports such as the Port of Rotterdam are often referred to as the “Gateway to Europe”, highlighting their critical role in international trade and transport.

However, our relationship with water is not only one of opportunity—it is also one of necessity. Much of the country lies below sea level, making us highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal flooding. Iconic infrastructure such as the Afsluitdijk has been protecting the Dutch coastline for over 90 years, illustrating the essential role of flood defenses in our national resilience.

This constant interaction with water has positioned the Netherlands as a global leader in Water, Maritime, and Delta Technology. Dutch expertise in water management, hydraulic engineering, and coastal protection is recognized and shared worldwide. To support continued innovation and international collaboration, a variety of Dutch and European funding programmes are available.

Funding opportunities for the Maritime industry

There are interesting opportunities for all kinds of organisations active within the Water, Maritime & Delta sector:

• The Dutch MIT grant is a broad scheme that offers support to SMEs in setting up innovative projects.
• Partners for Water, also a Dutch funding programme, is for entrepreneurs, research organisations and non-profits carrying out (jointly) pilot projects and feasibility studies on water security abroad. This includes not only sustainable waterways and ports, but also, for example, safe drinking water and sanitation.
• The European Innovation Council (EIC) offers funding opportunities for state-of-the-art technologies and innovations, such as in the Maritime Industry.
• Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is an important instrument for creating a stronger and more sustainable Europe. Improving transport along (inland) waterways is an important theme within this programme.
• The EU programme Interreg offers various funding opportunities for cross-border cooperation projects for a stronger and more sustainable Europe, including in the North Sea area with Interreg NSR.

In addition to these schemes, there are numerous other grant opportunities. Contact us to discuss the possibilities for your organisation or project.

Discover your grant opportunities

Are you working on a project, innovation or research that could make a valuable contribution to the eternal struggle against water? Our specialists have extensive experience in advising and supporting all kinds of organisations within the Water, Maritime & Delta sector. Would you like to know more about the possibilities? Send us an email to info@hezelburcht.com, call us on 088 495 20 00 or fill in the form below: