Arm-44

On Feb 15, 2026, the sheerleg 'Matador 3' (IMO: 9272137) has lifted the 'Neeltje Jannetje' ashore at the HSD Services & Decommissioning, in the Kaloothaven at Flushing-East. The decommissioned trawler was to be recylced as the result of a large-scale criminal investigation into illegal fish trade. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has imposed fines and community service orders on shipping companies and traders. In addition, two fishing trawlers, besides the 'Neeltje Jannetje' also the 'Jan Senior - ARM 7' (IMO: 8718938), have been dismantled. As a result of the investigation, crew members and skippers were previously sentenced to suspended prison sentences and extensive community service orders. Information from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) in 2021 prompted the launch of an investigation into the involvement of Dutch fishermen and traders in illegal fishing. Following an intensive investigation by the High Impact Environmental Crime (HIEC) unit of the National Investigation and Intervention Unit, which focuses on large-scale organized environmental crime, a so-called action day took place in the port of Flushing in the spring of 2023. During this action, several suspects were arrested and several fishing vessels were seized. Large quantities of undersized fish were found in hidden compartments on board and seized. The police discovered hidden compartments on several vessels where "black fish" were stored. Black fish is traded without supervision. This often involves undersized fish or fish that is not permitted to be caught during a certain period. This involved several thousand kilos of illegally caught and traded fish. The fish was typically resold at night, out of sight of supervisors. This occurred on a large scale over a prolonged period. The Public Prosecution Service has dealt with the cases against the shipping companies, traders, crew members, and skippers involved in various ways. Six skippers and six crew members appeared before the court in Middelburg and received suspended prison sentences and substantial community service orders. The shipping companies were issued penalty notices. In two cases, the decision to destroy the trawlers was made as part of the penalty notice. Both vessels were owned by the Siereveld family from Arnemuiden. Illegal fish was concealed in special spaces on these ships. In two other cases, fines of €32,000 and €48,000 were imposed. No concealed spaces were found on these trawlers, which have been returned to give the companies a chance to continue their legal fishing activities. Two traders and their companies have been sentenced, after a court order, to 10-month suspended prison sentences and 180 hours of community service, along with an €80,000 fine for the company. Several cases involving the seizure of boats are still pending. A case against another trader was being reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Based on the available information, new criminal investigations were not being ruled out.

On Feb 15, 2026, the sheerleg 'Matador 3' (IMO: 9272137) has lifted the ÄNeeltje Jannetje' ashore at the HSD Services & Decommissioning, in the Kaloothaven at Flushing-East. The decommissioned trawler was to be recylced.

Willem Jan Visser from Wouterswoude has acquired the 'Emma- ZK-14' from Lammert Bolt from Zoutkamp. Bolt (55) is ending his fishing career and has no successor. Gven his age and long career at sea, he had already considered closing his fishing company, L.R. Bolt ZK14 BV, but it wasn't urgent. However, when a buyer for his trawler spontaneously appeared, Visser (37) and Bolt quickly reached an agreement. Visser's new acquisition was registered in the Dutch Register of Fishing Vessels on Nov 20, 2025, as the 'Semper Fidelis-ZK 16' under the shipping company name Visserijbedrijf zk 23. The shrimp trawler was built in 2002 and was therefore considerably younger than his current ship, the 'Semper Fidelis-ZK 23', and has a relatively new main engine, a 300 hp Scania from 2023. The 'Semper Fidelis' built in 1963, was to be scrapped at Hoeben RDM in Kampen, once all the paperwork has been finalised. This company will scrap at least 40 shrimp trawlers as part of the Shrimp Fishery Restructuring Scheme. Fishermen can register their vessels with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) until Feb 2, 2026, to apply for a subsidy. Two large beam trawlers from Arnemuiden will scrapped, the 'Jan Senior-ARM-7, and the 'Neeltje Jannetje-ARM-44', both belonging to Siereveld from Arnemuiden.