Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners For a strong shipping industry in the Netherlands 1
Table of contents 1. For a strong shipping industry in the Netherlands 5 - Dynamic and innovative - Our vision - Our mission 2. Join the KVNR 7 - Collective representations of interests - national representation - international representation - social partners in the shipping industry - Individual advice - The KVNR s range of services - KVNR circulars - KVNR products - A true networking organisation - Network and connections - Committees correlation - Seminars 3. About the KVNR 13 - History - Royal - The membership - Associated members 4. Organisational structure 15 - General Assemblee - Executive Board - Committees - Working groups - The KVNR office - Member participation - Would you like to join? - Membership dues 3
4
1 For a strong shipping industry in the Netherlands Dynamic and innovative Worldwide, the Dutch shipping industry is held in high regard. Our fleet is one of the most up-to-date in the world, its crews have excellent qualifications, employment policies are progressive and standards for quality, safety and the environment are high. Dutch shipowners have a reputation for being keen on innovation and the sustainable development of the shipping industry. Their continuous efforts to improve their performance and service are the result of this zeal. The Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) represents the interests of both this dynamic and innovative industry and virtually the entire shipping industry in the Netherlands. Our vision In the KVNR s vision, the Dutch shipping industry should be a modern industry with an excellent performance record plays a prominent role in a number of European and/or global market segments and at the same time manages to be the hub of the Dutch maritime cluster. The shipping register of the Netherlands is a leading one within Europe, in terms of growth, standards and sustainability of the ships registered, as well as service and user-friendliness. Our mission By means of collective actions, the KVNR promotes an internationally competitive business climate for shipowners in the Netherlands. Representation of collective interests is achieved by playing a guiding role in future developments in the shipping industry, both at national and international level. Individually, we offer support to our members by advising them in matters of business climate, the maritime labour market and sustainability. The KVNR: representing the interests of the shipping industry in the Netherlands 5
6
2 Join the KVNR The shipping industry is the core of the maritime cluster, operating against a complex international background. The shipping industry has a vital booster function towards other segments of the maritime industry. If the shipping industry flourishes, shipbuilding and maritime supplier industry for example, will also see increased activity. In order to safeguard fair competition and equal opportunities, generating a level playing field should be the first priority of any (inter)national shipping policy, offering an arena where all parties in the shipping industry operate as equals. As a KVNR member, you will be able to influence the shaping of such a shipping policy directly. The KVNR has already become a major party in this matter, with its representation of 95% of all shipowners in the Netherlands. Your membership will increase our potential to safeguard the interests of the Dutch shipping industry. KVNR membership offers you: Collective representation of interests - giving you the option to influence (inter)national shipping policy and to ensure fair competition; Individual advice - members benefit from a broad spectrum of advice and services; An extensive networking organisation - participation in active sharing of knowledge and collaborations. 7
Collective representation of interests The KVNR will proactively represent your interests as a shipowner in the international playing field. The shipowners association will represent you in a number of national and international bodies. In this way the KVNR is actively involved in policymaking in national, European and international politics. The objective is to maintain and improve the economic, social, environmental and nautical/technical aspects of the (inter)national business climate. On behalf of the KVNR membership our staff participates in a number of national and international bodies, usually in tandem with shipowners representatives and/or board members. National representation At national level the KVNR is involved in regular consultations with various ministerial departments, including the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In this way we, together with our members, actively contribute to policymaking and the implementation of new legislation. In addition the KVNR, the Dutch Maritime Network and the Shortsea Shipping Information Bureau are jointly involved in reinforcing the maritime network in the Netherlands and the promotion of the maritime cluster as a whole. Prime examples are promotional campaigns on the part of the industry, trade organisations and educational bodies aimed at increasing enrolment in nautical education. As a trade organisation, the KVNR is also affiliated with the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW). As such, the KVNR is a regular participant in a number of committees of the largest employers organisation in the Netherlands. In specific cases the VNO- NCW and the KVNR join forces in defending and safeguarding the collective interests of the Dutch shipping industry. 8
International representation As a member of the various national delegations, the KVNR participates in International Labour Organisation (ILO) conferences and is present in an advisory capacity at International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions. In addition to these important international policymaking bodies, the KVNR - on behalf of its members - is affiliated with the following maritime organisations: The European Community Shipowners Associations (ECSA) The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) The International Shipping Federation (ISF) The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) All this adds up to the KVNR having the potential to influence European and international legislation and, as a consequence, to improve the level playing field for shipowners in the Netherlands. Social partners in the shipping industry The KVNR plays a vital role in determining working conditions and scales, pensions and social arrangements for seafarers. All these agreements are reached by the social partners, both on behalf of employers and employees. On the employees side is trade union Nautilus NL. On the employers side are: The Social Maritime Employers' Association (SMW), Association of Employers in the Merchant Marine (VWH) Netherlands Maritime Employers Association (NEMEA). (This organisation concerns itself with non-eu seafarers on ships under the Dutch flag). Even though the above employers organisations are not legally connected to the KVNR, the KVNR does run their secretariats. Only those who are KVNR members may join said organisations. Influence on shipping policies 9
Individual advice Besides collective representation, offering individual service and advice to its members is at least as important to the KVNR. Expert and experienced KVNR members of staff are able to advise you on any and all relevant subjects. In short, as a member you will have access to invaluable knowledge, experience and best practices accrued over many years; at any time and on all subjects that are relevant to you. The KVNR s range of services The KVNR offers a range of services, based on expertise. KVNR staff members are actively involved in all areas of shipping, ranging from the maritime labour markets (education and manning) to sustainability (environment, innovation, safety and quality) and the business climate (taxation, legal matters, insurance and shipping politics). As experts in their profession they are able to offer support and advice in your dealings with - for instance - Nautilus NL or authorities like the Transport and Water Management Inspectorate. KVNR circulars Internal communication with the membership is equally important. The KVNR will regularly inform you of topical matters by means of circulars and newsletters, giving you, as a member, the opportunity to anticipate the fast-changing rules and regulations, new (inter)national developments and intended policies in maritime politics in a timely fashion. Circulars are published in both Dutch and English. In addition members have access to the members-only part of the website where they can compile a personalised information package, applicable to their personal situation and circumstances. KVNR products KVNR members have access to a range of practical products aimed at day-to-day management. The KVNR issues permits to employ foreign seafarers on Dutch flagged vessels. We also offer products like oil and cargo record books. As a member you will receive a discount on your subscription to the Sdu Dutch publication Shipping Legislation. The KVNR is a co-founder and governor of the Netherlands Shipping Training Centre, located in the Philippines. This training centre offers maritime training courses for officers and ratings on the subjects of safety and security. Favourable terms apply to KVNR members. 10
A true networking organisation It goes without saying that the KVNR makes use of its own extensive network in the process of collective representation. In addition, the KVNR of itself is a significant and accessible networking organisation for its members, whether it be to discuss topical issues, to exchange knowledge or to share experiences. Ultimately each and every member benefits from this through better management and an improved competitive position. Network and connections The KVNR s network boasts excellent connections with members of both the First and Second Chambers of Parliament. Equally close connections exist with the Netherlands permanent representatives in the European Union, the Dutch members of the European Parliament and - via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Dutch embassies abroad. In addition the KVNR maintains excellent working relationships with a number of ministerial departments and their inspectorate divisions. The KVNR established the Maritieme Poort within the International Press Centre Nieuwspoort in The Hague, for the purpose of the continued strengthening of KVNR members ties with these target groups. Committees correlation The KVNR operates according to the linking pin model. In keeping with this model, members of the Executive Board also chair the various committees within the organisation, resulting in an effective correlation between the Executive Board and the committees. Problems and their solutions, as well as communications to the members can be dealt with speed and efficiently. The knowledge generated within the committees proves to be of practical value on a daily basis; moreover, it is specifically tailored to your company s style of management. Seminars Be it the environment, safety or taxation, it is all about the exchange of knowledge. In addition to discussion in committees and working groups, on occasion more in-depth exploration of a subject is needed. For that reason the KVNR regularly organises seminars on issues that are topical and relevant to the shipping industry. Besides the transfer of factual knowledge, it goes without saying that members personal input is always welcome. A platform for the exchange of knowledge 11
12
About the KVNR 3History Throughout the centuries, Dutch shipowners have flourished thanks to their steadfast willingness to take on new challenges. Individual shipowners and shipowners organisations soon realised that joining forces could make all the difference. This point of view is still as valid as ever in today s maritime world. The only way to reinforce the competitive position of the Netherlands and to keep up with the high speed of international development is by a common approach. In 2010, the KVNR will have been doing just that for 180 years. In its current incarnation, the KVNR has been active since 1992. In that year the Royal Dutch Shipowners Association (KNRV) and the Association of Dutch Shipowners in Shortsea Shipping (VNRK) merged, to become the new Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR). Ten years earlier, the VNRK itself was the result of a merger between the Royal Seamen s College De Groninger Eendracht and the Association of Employers in Shortsea Shipping. The Royal Seamen s College De Groninger Eendracht and the Royal Dutch Shipowners Association in particular have a rich and eventful history dating back to 1830 and 1905 respectively. Royal The KVNR proudly carries its appellation royal and operates accordingly. The KVNR members of staff are always ready to serve the membership. They pride themselves on their high standards, have an eye for the bigger picture and - from the various disciplines - are able to generate synergy.
The membership To date, over 300 shipowners have joined the KVNR, resulting in a membership comprising about 95% of Dutch shipowners. Altogether, Dutch shipowners manage around 1500 ships, more than 800 of which under Dutch flag. Associated members Besides the regular membership for shipowners, the KVNR provides the option to join as an associated member. To date there are around 100 associated members. This type of membership is intended for organisations and companies affiliated with the shipping industry in the Netherlands. KVNR members are operational in the following market segments: General cargo; Container shipping; Dry bulk shipping; Ferry and cruise shipping; Gas transport; Reefer shipping; Liquid bulk shipping; Offshore supply; Shortsea shipping and sea-river shipping; Cattle transport; Roll on roll off; Ocean Towage and salvage industry; Heavy lift transport. 14
Organisational structure 4General Assemblee The KVNR is an association. And just as in any other association, the General Assemblee is the KVNR s highest decision-making body. The Executive Board is elected by the membership. The General Assemblee meets twice a year during the Annual General Meetings (AGM). Executive Board The Executive Board is responsible for policymaking. The KVNR office s function is one of operational support. The board consists of twelve members and the president is chosen from among the board members. Committees The next level down from the board consists of five committees, involved in various areas of policy. These committees offer the membership the perfect opportunity to exercise their influence on the KVNR s policies. The committees advise the board in regard to policymaking and once the board has made a decision it is worked out in further detail by the relevant committee. Each committee is chaired by a board member, according to the linking pin model. The official language used in the various committees is Dutch. The committee meetings usually take place at the KVNR offices, according to a schedule that is drawn up annually. However, committee meetings also take place at other locations on a regular basis. Committees may invite outside experts to their meetings in order to discuss specific issues. KVNR members may participate in any committee meeting. 15
16
The five committees are: The Environmental Affairs Committee (CMZ) Environmental issues (emissions to air and water, waste dumping) The Labour Affairs Committee (CAZ) Labour affairs (working conditions, employment and social insurances) Manning affairs (personnel policies, working conditions, education and training) The Shipping Policy, Economic and Legal Affairs Committee (CEZ) Economic affairs (business climate, finance and taxation) Legal affairs (Insurance and legislation) Shipping policy (at national and international level) The Shortsea Shipping Committee (CSSS) Shortsea shipping (specific shortsea legislation and information supply) The Technical Affairs Committee (CTZ) Nautical affairs (navigation, safety (ISM), communication and cargo matters) Technical affairs (engineering, ICT, piracy and security) Innovation (initiating project proposals and setting innovation themes) Working groups The committees may establish (temporary) working groups. These working groups are generally intended to carry out in-depth analyses of specific subjects and to subsequently advise the committees on their findings. Working groups are generally composed of experts from among the (associated) membership and are chaired by a member of the committee that established the working group in question. The KVNR office The office is the association s secretariat and provides support to the board, the committees, the working groups and individual members. Its staff members (either with a (board) member or singly) represent the KVNR in the various external bodies. The KVNR office received an ISO certification in May 2004. Member participation Participation in committees and working groups is open to all KVNR members. Doing so results in influence on association policies, acknowledgement and recognition and all inherent benefits! The organisation chart is enclosed. The hub of the world of shipowners 17
18
Would you like to join? The KVNR would be happy to welcome you as a new member. Members benefit from: Collective representation of interests - giving you the option to influence (inter)national shipping policy and to ensure fair competition; Individual advice - members benefit from a broad spectrum of advice and services; An extensive networking organisation - participation in active sharing of knowledge and collaborations. Would you like more information on membership, on how we operate, or on committees and working groups? Please contact us. Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners P.O. Box 2442 3000 CK Rotterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)10 414 60 01 Fax: +31 (0)10 233 00 81 info@kvnr.nl www.kvnr.nl Membership dues Each year during the Annual General Meeting, annual membership dues are determined. They are calculated for each shipowner on the basis of the maximum tonnage, converted to dues-tonnage. Members are obliged to register their ships with the association. Associated membership dues are calculated on a different basis. 19