Evaluation of the Dutch Merchant Shipping Protection Act

What is the issue?

Piracy remains a significant threat to merchant ships on some international routes, particularly around the Horn of Africa. It may endanger seafarers and pose an economic threat to maritime nations like the Netherlands.

Dutch shipping companies can request support from so-called Vessel Protection Detachments (VPDs), military teams from the Ministry of Defence, but these are not always available. Since 1 February 2022, the Merchant Shipping Protection Act (Wet ter Bescherming Koopvaardij - WtBK) allows Dutch-flagged vessels to employ armed private security guards under certain conditions.

How are we helping?

The aim of this study is to evaluate the WtBK. Accordingly, the study should provide insight into the implementation of the WtBK in practice and identify the bottlenecks experienced by the parties involved.

Where possible, we aim to provide insight into the effectiveness of the Act:

• Does it offer adequate protection when the Ministry of Defence is unable to provide it?
• Does it lead to a more level playing field for international merchant shipping and less delay or unnecessary costs?
• Are fewer Dutch ships sailing under a different flag for this reason?

RAND Europe researchers will attempt to answer these questions using desk research, available data, legal analysis, interviews with key informants and a couple of case studies.