Since 1983, Dutch shipbuilding has regained a strong position in the world market. Through trial and error, shipyards and suppliers built a network in which they coordinate their products to compete internationally. Many old shipyards disappeared. New companies such as Damen Shipyards and Royal IHC became leaders. The shipyard cluster in the north of the Netherlands maintained its position. Superyacht construction became successful. Contemporary Dutch shipbuilding has specialized in ships that require special technical knowledge and innovative applications.
