Flying the Dutch Flag option for superyachts launched

Improving the business climate for the large yacht sector says HISWA…

Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment Melanie Schultz van Haegen officially launched the ‘Flying the Dutch flag on superyachts’ programme at the METSTRADE Show in Amsterdam on 16th November by symbolically blowing a ship’s horn. Flying the Dutch flag is the popular name given to the Commercial Cruising Vessel project, which offers an attractive legal framework for commercially exploited superyachts registered in the Netherlands. As the branch organisation representing the (super)­yachtbuilding and watersport industry, the HISWA Marine Industry has worked tirelessly with the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) and the Port of Amsterdam to establish this innovative programme.

During her speech the Minister praised the efforts of the HISWA Association: “The HISWA has proven its ambition and good business sense with the Commercial Cruising Vessel project. More superyachts flying the Dutch flag will translate into greater work opportunities in the Netherlands. The government is actively stimulating a business environment by improving the shipping register and implementing the Large Yacht Code 3. And all of this is making it easier for yachts to sail under the Dutch flag.”

New service industry.

Geert Dijks, director of the HISWA Association, emphasised that the Dutch superyacht industry is a world leader in its field. “We have an outstanding reputation internationally for craftsmanship, reliability and quality. In addition, the Netherlands has an unrivalled cluster of specialised marine equipment supply companies. Now, with the launch of Flying the Dutch flag, we are adding an entirely new service industry to the range of options available in this country.”

The terms and conditions have now been firmly established, including clear fiscal agreements, the incorporation of the international technical regulations within Dutch shipping law, and acceptance of the international MCA certification for crew members. The HISWA Marine Industry will roll the project out further in 2017 and hopes to attract more of the superyacht-related service industry to the Netherlands.

One stop shop.

The Flying the Dutch flag programme is a ‘one stop shop’ for superyacht construction, registration and crewing. It provides a transparent and comprehensive service package, saving a great deal of work for yacht managers and build supervisors. Flying the Dutch flag also brings the management of a superyacht to a higher level.

The Dutch flag has an international reputation for reliability, professionalism and safety. Around 10% of the acquisition value of a superyacht is related to its operation regarding issues such as registration, taxation and crew. A superyacht can in this sense be seen as a company: people are employed, materials have to be purchased and all the papers must be in order. The attractive service offered by Flying the Dutch flag makes the entire trajectory simpler, more transparent and safer.

The Bachmann Group’s Yachting Division welcomes this new development, which widens the choice of multi jurisdiction options for our clients.

With currently over 30 yachts under management offering the benefit of the company’s 40-year background in maritime services, we always strive to offer the most suitable and fiscally advantageous ownership structures.

We are adept at handling yacht registrations, purchases, sales and yacht ownership structuring, both for EU and Non-EU owners

This total service concept extends to Crew Employment and Payroll (Bachmann is licensed and audited under the MLC), Crew Training, Recruitment and Placement, thus supporting owners through every aspect of yachting life.

The company's administrative activities are fully audited and compliant under ISO 9001, MLC 2006 and ISM/IMO standards. The Bachmann Training subsidiary conducts technical training for mariners and crew placement for some of the worlds best-known shipping companies.

If you are considering the purchase of a yacht, or a restructuring of your present ownership parameters why not contact us for an informal discussion.

Please call Gary Le Cras, our Head of Yachting on:

+44 (0) 7852 227121

E.mail: Gary.lecras@bachmannyachts.com