Registering a merchant ship in the Netherlands

If you want to fly the Dutch flag on a merchant ship that you own or operate under a bareboat charter (bareboat-in), you must apply for registration in the Nederlands vlagregister (the Netherlands flag register) to obtain a zeebrief (Certificate of Registry).

If you wish to temporarily fly the flag of another country with a merchant ship registered in the Netherlands, you must apply for a Bareboat-out Declaration.

Bekijk deze pagina in het Nederlands

Flying the Dutch flag

The NLflag website provides detailed information on registering seagoing vessels under the Dutch flag. It also offers information on related topics, such as the benefits of flying the Dutch flag.