Building Europe’s offshore future – IMCA hosts EU officials’ visit to DEME Group’s facilities in the Netherlands

IMCA hosts EU officials at DEME Group facilities, showcasing marine contractors pivotal role in Europe’s energy transition

European Commission and Parliament delegation tours offshore innovations in the Netherlands

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) had the honour of welcoming senior officials from the European Commission’s Waterborne Directorate of DG Mobility and Transport, and DG Maritime Affairs, to DEME’s offshore facilities in Nieuwdorp, the Netherlands, in October.

The European Union delegation included Annika Kroon, Head of the European Commission’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Unit, and Kris Van Dijck MEP, a member of both the Energy and Transport Committees of the European Parliament, and his team.

The visit offered a first-hand look at the key technologies, assets, and people driving Europe’s offshore energy transition. Participants toured DEME’s Neptune and Innovation installation vessels, which play a key role in offshore wind development, and learned about the construction of caissons for Princess Elisabeth Island, the world’s first artificial energy island, as well as DEME’s pioneering shore power system.

IMCA CEO Iain Grainger and Hugo Bouvy, Managing Director of DEME Offshore, led discussions on the vital contribution of Europe’s offshore marine contractors to the EU’s ambition of reaching 300 GW of offshore wind by 2050.

The conversations emphasised the need for a supportive and predictable EU policy and regulatory framework, enabling the region’s specialised vessels, supply chain, and infrastructure to deliver the energy transition at scale. IMCA called for a clear decarbonisation pathway for the sector, including adaptations to FuelEU Maritime and the Emissions Trading System, and stressed the importance of long-term visibility for operators to invest in next-generation assets.

IMCA extends its gratitude to DEME for hosting this inspiring visit, and to all participants for the engaging dialogue on advancing Europe’s offshore capabilities. IMCA continues to work closely with EU policymakers, the European Commission, and MEPs to advocate for the marine contracting industry’s strategic role in securing Europe’s energy and climate future.

By building strong partnerships, IMCA and its Members are helping the offshore fleet to grow, modernise, and decarbonise, ensuring Europe has the capacity it needs to succeed in the energy transition.

The visit follows extensive engagement with EU institutions in 2025. In June, a delegation of senior IMCA representatives briefed a packed meeting of MEPs and European Commission officials at a lunchtime meeting hosted by Walter Beke MEPs, highlighting marine contractors’ strategic importance in installing, securing, and repairing the continent’s critical offshore infrastructure.