'Focus on Russia' is a joint initiative of the Dutch maritime industry organisations and the Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD). In the view of the major opportunities in the Russian shipbuilding market, the Maritime 2g@there-programme has been set-up by the EVD with support of the Dutch Maritime Network and three branch organisations, HME, HISWA and IRO.

The aim of the 'Focus on Russia' project is to represent and promote Dutch maritime technology in Russia, to act as the first contact point between the companies and the customer in Russia, to support the companies in collecting and analysing market information and to aid the companies that seek opportunities for production in Russia. We offer our members a network of expertise related to maritime matters and keep the industry updated on all developments in the field of shipping. Our philosophy revolves around three terms: ‘No nonsense’, ‘dynamic’ and ‘maritime’.

The past and the present
Being strategically located in the delta of the Rivers Rhine and Maas, The Netherlands is for centuries the prosperous focal point of West European trade and development. Since the Middle Ages, our country developed a rich tradition in the maritime sector, ranging from ocean going shipping to inland navigation, from dredging to offshore, and from naval construction to civil shipbuilding and yacht building. The Dutch maritime cluster is as dynamic as complete. Within a range of 150 kilometers over 11,000 companies are active in the Dutch maritime sector.

Russia and The Netherlands have much in common. Both countries cannot be separated from the sea and the water, and both countries have high ambitions in shipbuilding industry and marine technology. This is why Holland and Russia, ever since Peter the Great came to Holland to learn the craftsmanship of shipbuilding, have tight nautical relationship. This also means that we will have to invest in our joint future, and create mutual advantages in maritime technology. This view helped the ‘Focus on Russia’ project come to life.

From 2007 till 2010 the Dutch maritime industry focuses on Russia. That means that we will invest time and resources in the long term relationship between the shipbuilding communities of both countries. We will do that by attending trade shows, by organizing trade missions, by monitoring technical co-operation, by launching this website, by introducing Dutch ship-owners, and by founding a representative office in St. Petersburg in 2009 (www.hollandmarinehouse.ru). Through partnership and cooperation we will find creative ways for innovation and development of the shipbuilding industry.