Dutch shipbuilding boom – increase of 25%
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Zoetermeer – The Dutch shipbuilding industry is experiencing a boom. Turnover reached six billion euros in 2006, an increase of nearly 25 percent. The branch organisation Netherlands’ Shipbuilding Industry Association expects the figures over 2007 to be equally positive. The organisation represents 800 businesses employing 25,000 workers.
The impressive growth figures are mainly due to the growth of the world economy and rising demand for luxury yachts from multi-millionaires. The Dutch shipbuilding industry excels at special ships such as dredgers, tugs, push tugs and big yachts. The sector desperately needs more personnel; it has 2,500 vacancies for a variety of technical staff, pipe fitters and welders.
source: Radio Netherlands World Service