Arm-44 Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

**Title: Decommissioned Trawlers Dismantled at HSD Services Following Illegal Fishing Investigation** On February 15, 2026, the sheerleg vessel 'Matador 3' (IMO: 9272137) successfully lifted the decommissioned trawler 'Neeltje Jannetje' ashore at HSD Services & Decommissioning located in Kaloothaven, Flushing-East. This dismantling is part of a significant crackdown on illegal fish trading tied to a major criminal investigation. The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) has implemented punitive measures against multiple shipping companies and traders involved in this illicit operation, including financial penalties and community service obligations. Alongside the 'Neeltje Jannetje,' another trawler, 'Jan Senior - ARM 7' (IMO: 8718938), has also been dismantled as a result of this rigorous legal pursuit. The investigation was triggered by critical information from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) in 2021, which uncovered the involvement of Dutch fishermen and traders in unlawful fishing practices. Following an extensive inquiry by the High Impact Environmental Crime (HIEC) unit of the National Investigation and Intervention Unit, an action day was executed in the port of Flushing in spring 2023. This operation led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of multiple fishing vessels. Onboard these vessels, law enforcement discovered hidden compartments containing large quantities of undersized fish, commonly referred to as "black fish," caught without regulatory oversight—a stark violation of environmental laws. The illicit fish, often sold illegally during nighttime hours, amounted to several thousand kilos, marking a long-term operation conducted on a significant scale. As the investigation unfolded, numerous court proceedings ensued against various participants including six skippers and six crew members who faced the court in Middelburg. These individuals received suspended prison sentences in addition to severe community service penalties. The shipping companies involved were subjected to penalty notices, resulting in the destruction of the two aforementioned trawlers owned by the Siereveld family from Arnemuiden, both of which had been implicated in concealing illegal fish. In other cases involving trawlers that did not conceal illegal catch, fines of €32,000 and €48,000 were levied. These vessels have since been returned, allowing their owners to resume legal fishing practices. Additional sanctions included two traders and their businesses, which received 10-month suspended sentences, 180 hours of community service, and a hefty €80,000 fine. As the legal proceedings continue against other involved parties, including ongoing reviews of cases related to the seizures of vessels, the Public Prosecution Service has not ruled out the potential for new criminal investigations. This enforcement saga underscores a broader effort to combat organized environmental crime within the maritime sector.

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.