Police in Vlissingen confiscated two driver's licenses and issued multiple fines after a wedding convoy sparked complaints and traffic chaos Saturday afternoon. Officers responded to reports of hazardous and disruptive driving involving dozens of vehicles, including rental cars with German license plates, according to NOS.
The incident began when a wedding procession moved through the city
including along the busy President Rooseveltlaan
Several people alerted police to the convoy
around 40 cars blocked roads and created dangerous conditions by running red lights
“Unnecessarily loud honking” and other violations led officers to establish both visible and undercover traffic checks
police seized the licenses of two drivers involved in the convoy
Multiple police units were deployed to the area
and officers spoke directly with the bride and groom
asking them to ensure that the group drove responsibly
police spotted part of the same group again in Goes
Officers described their behavior there as “very antisocial.”
Authorities also noted it was “remarkable” that some of the vehicles participating in the convoy were rental cars bearing German license plates
This was the second wedding convoy incident in Vlissingen in recent weeks. On the previous Saturday, police also seized two licenses from drivers involved in a disruptive procession, according to PZC.
the second of the series of mine countermeasures vessels of the Belgian-Dutch rMCM program
first intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy
began its first sea trials campaign from Concarneau
The rMCM program is being led by Belgium Naval & Robotics
a consortium formed by Naval Group and Exail
involving Kership (a joint venture between Piriou and Naval Group) as the industrial prime contractor
The program is a major component of European defense cooperation
Naval Group is responsible for ship design
The ships are built and assembled by Kership and Chantier Piriou
under the overall industrial management of Kership
a joint venture between Naval Group and Piriou
Exail is in charge of the drone mission system
Most of these drones will be produced and maintained in Exail Belgium subsidiary based in Ostend
is currently undergoing trials of its combat system in the Naval Group Lorient shipyard
It will be delivered during the summer of 2025
the third vessel of the program and the second unit intended for the Belgian Navy
are planned for the end of the summer of 2025
the second vessel intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy
These mine countermeasure vessels have the following characteristics:
The ships are the first to have the capability to embark and launch a combination of surface drones (themselves 12-meter
The mine countermeasures vessels will use a mainly autonomous system for the detection
identification and neutralization of mines
they can withstand underwater explosions and have very low acoustic
in line with the missions to be carried out
All twelve vessels ordered in the frame of the rMCM program will be delivered before the end of 2030
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christened a ship this weekend while gleaming in a favorite pair of golden earrings
The Princess of Orange arrived in the harbor town of Vlissingen on Saturday for the christening of a new combat support ship, Den Helder. The ship, which was made by Damen Naval, will be the new supply ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Per the Dutch royal website
the new ship “will supply naval vessels at sea worldwide with fuel
Princess Amalia christened the ship with the words “I baptize you Den Helder and I wish you and your crew a safe voyage.” Afterward
she was given a tour of the ship and met with some of its personnel
as well as those who were involved in its construction
For the occasion, Amalia wore an ensemble in shades of pink, brown, and gold. ModeKoninginMaxima tells us that the pink trouser suit and camel-colored coat both come from the brand Max Mara
Amalia accessorized with a braided straw headpiece and a pair of familiar golden earrings from her jewelry box. UFO No More shares that the earrings come from LOTT. gioielli, a Dutch brand that takes inspiration from traditional Italian design. These are the brand’s medium-sized Classic Circle Earrings
then plated or treated with another material to produce the golden color)
They retail on the company’s website for €140
This is the second time that we’ve seen Amalia wear the earrings in public. In September, she wore them with a medieval-inspired dress for Prinsjesdag
the annual opening of the nation’s parliament
She also added other gold-toned accessories for the Prinsjesdag appearance, coordinating the earrings with a golden headband
Here’s one more look at Amalia wearing the earrings for the ship’s christening in Vlissingen
These seem right on trend for a 21-year-old princess—and the fact that she’s comfortable wearing statement-making jewelry certainly bodes well for the future
Categories // Netherlands
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TotalEnergies SE is expanding its partnership with Air Liquide SA to increase production of green hydrogen that the operator will use to help decarbonize its refineries in Belgium and the Netherlands
TotalEnergies and Air Liquide will form a 50-50 joint venture that aims to build and operate a 250-Mw electrolyzer project near the TotalEnergies (55%)-Lukoil PJSC (45%) jointly owned Zeeland Refinery NV’s 147,000-b/d Zeeland refinery in Vlissingen
that will enable production of up to 30,000 tonnes/year (tpy) of green hydrogen
most of which will be delivered to the Zeeland refining platform
TotalEnergies and Air Liquide said in separate releases
Read more about TotalEnergies' involvement in the North Sea OranjeWind green hydrogen development from Oil & Gas Journal sister brand Offshore Magazine.
To be supplied by renewable power from the 795-Mw OranjeWind Dutch offshore wind farm currently under development by TotalEnergies (50%) and RWE Renewables Benelux BV (50%)
the proposed €600-million electrolyzer project—if approved—will be commissioned in 2029 and deliver enough green hydrogen to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the Zeeland platform by up to 300,000 tpy
TotalEnergies also signed a tolling agreement for 130 Mw of Air Liquide’s 200-Mw ELYgator electrolyzer project under development in Maasvlakte
to be dedicated to production of 15,000 tpy of green hydrogen for delivery to the operator’s 338,000-b/d refining platform in Antwerp
the ELYgator electrolyzer project—to which TotalEnergies has also agreed to supply renewable electrons produced by the OranjeWind project for the operator’s share of green hydrogen production—will reduce CO2 emissions at the Antwerp platform by up to 150,000 tpy
While decarbonization of its refineries remains a primary aim
TotalEnergies’ supply of renewable power to the ELYgator and Zeeland electrolyzer projects also highlights the operator’s ongoing long-term transformational strategy of gradually pivoting operations away from its traditional oil and gas history in alignment with its aim to achieve carbon neutrality across the entirety of its business by 2050
“By supplying these two electrolyzers with renewable electricity from our offshore wind project in the Netherlands
TotalEnergies is leveraging its positioning as an integrated electricity company,” said Vincent Stoquart
president of TotalEnergies’ Refining & Chemicals division
Air Liquide additionally confirmed it will use electrolyzer technology manufactured by its joint venture with Siemens Energy AG for both the ELYgator and Zeeland electrolyzer projects
Read more about the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) wind farm in the Dutch North Sea from Oil & Gas Journal sister brand Offshore Magazine
Thanks to its existing hydrogen pipeline network
Air Liquide separately said its ELYgator electrolyzer project will also be able to serve additional Dutch and Belgian customers with industrial and heavy-duty mobility needs
In addition to renewable power production from TotalEnergies’ share of OranjeWind
Air Liquide said it has also signed power purchase agreements for the ELYgator project with Vattenfall AB to receive renewable power supplies from its Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) wind farm in the Dutch North Sea
Robert Brelsford joined Oil & Gas Journal in October 2013 as downstream technology editor after 8 years as a crude oil price and news reporter on spot crude transactions at the US Gulf Coast
He holds a BA (2000) in English from Rice University and an MS (2003) in education and social policy from Northwestern University
SEARCHThe global authority in superyachting
The second Amels 80 has arrived at Damen Yachting's facilities in Vlissingen
the superyacht has arrived two weeks ahead of schedule having departed the shipyard's facilities in Galati
Delivery to her "seasoned owner" is scheduled for May 2026
Construction on the second hull began on speculation
with the yacht sold to a buyer in December 2022
Naval architecture comes from Damen Yachting which includes "Hybrid by Amels" technology. The electric propulsion will allow it to cruise comfortably at speeds of up to seven knots while also reducing emissions, noise and vibrations.
The model has a number of standout features, including a 200-square-metre sundeck, a dedicated owner's deck and a waterfront beach club with unfolding sea terraces.
A volume of 2175GT will provide accommodation for up to 14 guests and 21 crew, along with plenty of storage for toys and tenders, including a foredeck helicopter landing area.
Jan van Hogerwou, commercial executive at Damen Yachting said it was an "honour" to have been tasked with the project. "It is our mission to get this adventurous young family out on the water, exploring and discovering the world’s oceans while free-diving, spearfishing, scuba diving and sharing these experiences with family and friends inside all of the comforts possible aboard the new Amels 80," he said.
Damen Yachting hit the headlines last month with the launch of the sixth Amels 60. Commissioned by a European owner, the unit is easily recognisable thanks to her striking blue hull.
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Dutch storage solutions provider LBC Tank Terminals has completed the full acquisition of compatriot Evolution Terminals in Vlissingen
LBC will further develop its new facility into a hub for the storage and distribution of sustainable products for the energy transition
aligning with North Sea Port’s ambitions
Evolution Terminals had already proposed constructing a tank terminal for renewable energy products in Vlissingen
which were previously developed in collaboration with North Sea Port
LBC is investing in the construction of a new terminal designed for handling and storing sustainable products that drive the energy transition
The terminal will be located near the entrance to Sloehaven in Vlissingen
It will be equipped to accommodate the latest-generation large ammonia tankers
the tank park will have a capacity of 150,000 cbm
The terminal will include two berths for sea vessels and three for inland vessels
It will also be connected to rail and pipeline networks
Operations at LBC Vlissingen are expected to commence by the end of 2028
This project is expected to further solidify North Sea Port’s position in Vlissingen as a key hub for the production
It will also contribute to North Sea Port’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050
with hydrogen playing a pivotal role in the energy transition
“This acquisition represents more than just a milestone for LBC
It is a clear testament to our commitment to being a leader in the energy transition
we are investing in a greener future for the Netherlands
“This investment in a liquid terminal for low-carbon hydrogen marks a significant step in expanding the hydrogen cluster within North Sea Port and supports the energy transition in the Netherlands and beyond,” Maarten den Dekker
Chief Sustainability and Digital Officer of North Sea Port
which is expected to be operational in 2028 and includes a cracker
will provide a substantial boost to the development of the hydrogen network in the region
encompassing both the Netherlands and Belgium
North Sea Port strengthens its position as the largest hydrogen hub in the Benelux…”
Rotterdam-based LBC establishes its eighth terminal
bolstering its presence in the Dutch-Belgian Delta region
LBC already operates terminals in Rotterdam
The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC
part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business
is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment
and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas
The performance of new and existing jack-ups
Home » New Combat Support Ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy arrives at Damen
13 December 2024 – Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder (A834) arrived in Vlissingen this morning after successfully completing her maiden voyage and sea trials
The new supply ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy departed from the Damen Naval shipyard in Galați
Romania on 16 November for her Sea Acceptance Tests (SATs) and is now in Vlissingen-Oost for the final outfitting phase of the project
the finishing work will be carried out before the CSS is handed over to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence’s Materiel & IT Command (COMMIT) in spring 2025
“It is wonderful to have CSS Den Helder at the quayside in Vlissingen,” says Damen Naval Managing Director Roland Briene
“Designing and then working with numerous suppliers to construct a large and complex naval ship like the CSS is a process of years and it is great to now be able to admire the result of all that hard work
This unique ship is the first of a whole series of vessels that we as national naval shipbuilder and strategic partner of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence will deliver to the Royal Netherlands Navy in the coming years
Working together with our national suppliers
we are accelerating and intensifying the coming programs for the renewal of our naval fleet
we are already rolling out the Maritime Manufacturing Industry Sector Agenda
which is receiving growing political support
We are bringing the core of naval construction back to Vlissingen and Zeeland
Damen Naval CSS Project Director Arjan Risseeuw was on board for the entirety of the sea trials from Galați to Vlissingen
“We carried out a large number of SATs along the way and simulated various emergency scenarios on board to see how the ship reacts
We are very satisfied with how the sea trials went and the cooperation between the different parties on board: our engineers and commissioners
It is a great ship that will strengthen the support and supply of our own fleet and our NATO partners.”
COMMIT Project Manager CSS captain (RNLN) Joost Meesters expressed his confidence that the Royal Netherlands Navy will gain a “beautiful and robust ship”
“We found no major problems during the sea trials and the propulsion in particular is performing well,” he said
“CSS Den Helder is the second tanker besides HNLMS Karel Doorman
and we really need it for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s permanent supply capacity
The idea was to add a robust tanker to the fleet
and I am confident that after finishing the remaining works we will have achieved that goal in the foreseeable future.”
The sea trials are an important part of a ship’s construction and pre-eminently meant to test the whole vessel
“It was imperative that we left Romania with a robust ship
Considering the area through which we sailed
we did not have the option of going back in case of problems
The ship had to be good enough to do the whole return trip and we succeeded in that.”
CSS Den Helder is the replacement for the supply ship HNLMS Amsterdam
The state-of-the-art supply ship can provide naval vessels with fuel
The CSS is deployable worldwide and can operate under high threat
It can also be used to provide emergency assistance and transport goods
The ship will soon be equipped with a Role-2 medical facility and can carry a helicopter
The nearly 180-metre-long ship will have a 75-strong crew and can take another 75 people on board
Den Helder has about as much cargo capacity as big half-sister HNLMS Karel Doorman
there is room for 7,600 m3 of diesel (F76) including self-use
1,000 m3 of helicopter fuel (F44) including self-use
434 tonnes of other goods including ammunition and 24 containers
the new tanker should be able to support a task force of six ships
the first steel was cut to build the ship in Galați
The ship was built in several modules and a large part of the hull was launched on 11 April 2022
where it was assembled with the other modules
the ship left the dock and arrived at the quay in Galați for further work and commissioning
Exactly 48 months after the first steel was cut
the ship is now at the quay in Vlissingen for final works
the ship will be christened and handed over to COMMIT for the installation of the combat systems
Commissioning is scheduled for the second half of 2025
after which the CSS will be handed over to the Royal Netherlands Navy Command (CZSK) in 2026.
Check out our video interview with Damen about the CSS at NIDV NEDS 2024 defense event:
Naval News brings you news coverage of the latest naval defense shows & events
We are also reporting on naval technology from all over the world
Home » First mine warfare mothership for the Netherlands begins sea trials
the second of the series of mine warfare motherships of the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme
began her first sea trials campaign from Concarneau
The aim is to implement and test at sea the vessel’s performance before its delivery at the end of 2025
The rMCM programme is being led by Belgium Naval & Robotics
involving Kership (a joint venture between Piriou and Naval Group) as industrial prime contractor
the ship’s performance has been put to the test
in particular her propulsion system and manoeuvrability
Several sea trials campaigns will then follow to test all the systems
intended for the Belgian Navy is currently undergoing trials of her combat system in Naval Group Lorient shipyard
It will be delivered during the summer 2025
third vessel of the program and second unit intended for the Belgian Navy
are planned for the end of the summer 2025
second vessel intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy
All twelve vessels ordered in the frame of the rMCM program will be delivered before end of 2030
A unique industrial and European partnership
Awarded in 2019 to Belgium Naval & Robotics
the consortium formed by Naval Group and Exail
the rMCM programme is a major component of european defence cooperation
Exail is in charge of the drones mission system
A resilient vessel and a latest generation toolbox
These specialised and cyber secured by design mine countermeasures (MCM) vessels are the first to have the capability to embark and launch a combination of surface drones (themselves 12-metre
The mine countermeasures vessels will use a mainly autonomous system for detection
identification and neutralisation of mines This approach with an unmanned integrated system enables safe and rapid clearance of mined areas—up to ten times faster than traditional methods
The MCM vessels can withstand underwater explosions and have very low acoustic
Animal welfare workers had to remove a seal from a hotel room in Vlissingen on Tuesday. The critter had wandered in and decided to take a snooze. “We often receive strange reports and are not easily surprised anymore, but when we received a report [last night] we could not believe it at first,” the Zeeland Animal Welfare Foundation said
The guest staying in the hotel room had taken her dog for a walk and discovered the surprise visitor when she came back, Valentijn Damen of Pier 7 Zandpaviljoen told Omroep Zeeland
“When the woman wanted to go back into her hotel room after the walk
“She walked up to the restaurant to get help.”
“A WHATTT?” the foundation asked when it got a call from the Boulevard 17 restaurant
saying that they had a seal in a hotel room
Pier 7 also rents out beach rooms - hotel rooms right on the beach - and the grey seal decided he liked the accommodation
calling the Sea Animal Rescue Team Netherlands RTZ to assist
the guests standing outside a bit nervous and the completely relaxed seal that was sleeping inside.”
grey seals will sleep in the strangest of places
“They look for a place to rest and sometimes lie in the middle of a terrace or on the road,” the rescue organization said
“The grey seal likes to bite and is not an animal to be touched
The RTZ rescue workers put the seal - who had turned quite grumpy from being woken up - in a seal basket and released it in a safe
The Pier 7 employees and hotel guest are quite chuffed with the experience
One employee called it great advertising because now the pet-friendly rooms are also seal-friendly
LBC Tank Terminals announces acquisition of Evolution Terminals in Vlissingen – Strategic move to advance leadership position in green hydrogen and ammonia markets
a global leader in independent liquid bulk logistics
is proud to announce the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Evolution Terminals B.V
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in LBC’s ambitious growth strategy
aimed at establishing a leading position in providing infrastructure to facilitate the safe and efficient storage and handling of bulk liquid products that contribute to the energy transition
Evolution Terminals has developed plans for a renewable energy products terminal in the port of Vlissingen
The project will be developed on prime land at the entrance of the port with access to deep water capable of handling the new generation of very large ammonia carriers
located at the entrance of the Westerschelde waterway towards Antwerp
is strategically positioned to serve markets for
connections to main hydrogen pipeline corridors and significant infrastructure developments
Vlissingen will strengthen its position as key hub for renewable energy imports
The project has attracted strong interest from potential customers and will continue to be developed under its new name LBC Vlissingen
The initial phase of the terminal will include ca
150,000 cubic meters of ammonia storage capacity
3 barge jetties and optional rail loading facilities
The terminal is expected to be operational at the end of 2028
This project provides LBC with a state-of-the-art platform to expand its new energies activities in the rapidly evolving energy sector.
LBC is grateful for Vision Energy Holdings offering the opportunity to take over their well-advanced project to develop it into a leading terminal for renewable energy products
“This acquisition is more than just a milestone; it’s a clear statement of our intent to lead the way in the energy transition
With this project and with the support of North Sea Port
I am very pleased the Evolution Terminal team successfully achieved its pre-development goals and to have passed this unique and important development project for renewable energy products to an industry leading developer and safety focused operator
as we experienced during all our interactions with the LBC team
“We thank Evolution’s project lead Arron Smyth
and the Province of Zeeland who had the foresight to understand the importance and efforts new business models for renewable energies would require
LBC’s acquisition provides surety to the stakeholders of a successful transition and development through to operations and realization of the future terminal,”
This investment in a liquid terminal for low carbon hydrogen marks a significant step in the expansion of the hydrogen cluster within North Sea Port and contributes to the energy transition in the Netherlands and abroad
scheduled for completion in 2028 and including a cracker
will provide a substantial boost to the development of the hydrogen network in the region and both the Netherlands and Belgium
North Sea Port strengthens its position as the largest hydrogen hub in the Benelux
highlighting its leading role in the energy transition.”
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
LBC Tank Terminals announces acquisition of Evolution Terminals in Vlissingen – Strategic move to advance leadership position in green hydrogen and ammonia markets, source
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A 48-year-old man was stabbed to death on Kasteelstraat in the heart of Vlissingen overnight. The police believe the victim had no fixed residence
A suspect was arrested a short time after the incident
The emergency services received the first report of the stabbing at around 00:05 a.m
First responders found the injured man on the street
The police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation
This led them to a 25-year-old man from Vlissingen as the suspected perpetrator
The police arrested him on Bosjeslaan at around 1:35 a.m
The circumstances surrounding the stabbing are still unclear
According to NOS
the Vlissingen mayor declared the city’s center a security risk area two months ago due to several violent incidents
The police are allowed to preventively frisk anyone in the Vlissingen city center until mid-March
Make sure to listen to our latest BOAT Briefing podcast episode, where BOAT discusses a recent visit to Norway to explore the 194.9-metre research vessel-cum-superyacht REV Ocean
Expect the latest news and mind-blowing facilities of this historic project
as well as serving up the inside scoop on its mysterious two-year hiatus
The 194.9-metre expedition vessel REV Ocean – also known as the world's largest superyacht – has arrived at Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen in the Netherlands
where she will undergo 15 to 18 months of outfitting ahead of her delivery in Q4 of 2026
REV Ocean will spend "25 per cent" of her time chartering
with guests able to partake in science projects contributing to marine conservation efforts
The resulting charter fees will supplement REV Ocean's scientific and philanthropic work
Owner and Norwegian businessman Kjell Inge Røkke previously explained: "REV [Ocean] will be a platform for gathering knowledge
to acquire new skills to evolve innovative solutions to address challenges and opportunities connected to the seas."
Although it will not be considered a fully-fledged superyacht, the vessel has been developed in collaboration with leading superyacht designer Espen Øino.
Advanced oceanography equipment has been fitted on board, allowing the vessel to survey marine areas, currents, the seabed, fish, animals and plant life. Following the extension, REV Ocean also has space for a dedicated submarine hangar, a HiPAP system to track subsea equipment and an additional science lab. A 3D printing facility and onboard metal shop will allow the team to be relatively self-sufficient, creating spare parts while on missions.
REV Ocean is also equipped with a media room for conducting live-streamed podcasts and interviews with people on board, with the team already in contact with documentary makers from the likes of Netflix and Disney.
"I don’t want to disclose anything we’re planning," added REV Ocean CEO Nina Jensen, "But if there’s someone that you think is super exciting, you can rest assured that this person will be invited to come aboard."
As is fitting for an environmentally conscious project, REV Ocean has been designed to be as fuel efficient as possible, with an energy recovery rudder system, medium-speed engines, diesel-electric propulsion and an exhaust cleaning system. The yacht's increase in size, however, has led to a 32 per cent increase in fuel capacity (and a corresponding increase in range) – though the shipyard has said that her new length would "have a fairly minor impact on fuel consumption".
Plans for REV Ocean's maiden voyage include a trip to the Arctic via the Norwegian coast, after which she will make her way down to the Southern Ocean via the United States and South America.
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2025 Part of the 428kg haul seized in Vlissingen
Photo: Dutch customsCustoms officers have seized nearly €11 million worth of cocaine hidden in a shipment of fruit at Vlissingen harbour
The public prosecution service said the drugs were intercepted during a routine inspection as they were being transported from Peru to a company in Germany
Police officers were called in to help customs officers recover and destroy the 428kg haul
Vlissingen has become a hotspot for drug traffickers as checks have been stepped up in Rotterdam and Amsterdam in recent years. Since 2023 the port has had its own 25-man police team to deal with the illicit trade
Last November 1,575kg of cocaine, worth nearly €120 million, were found in pallets of fruit heading from Columbia to Germany, while in June a 3,600kg haul was intercepted on its way from Ecuador to Germany in a consignment of bananas
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A lower-rated amateur has been kicked out of an open tournament in the Netherlands after being caught with a cell phone hidden in his sock after previously raising eyebrows by defeating much higher-rated masters
During the seventh round on Thursday, there was controversy when a Dutch player known for competing in the lower tiers of regional chess was kicked out from the tournament for alleged cheating, according to a press release published by schaaksite.nl
The player had earlier in the tournament raised suspicions by defeating several much higher-rated players with "almost perfect play," according to the organizers
The arbiters then said they observed him heading toward the restroom with a cell phone hidden in his sock
adding that they do not want to identify the player
The player was eventually removed from the tournament and the organizers said they are reporting the player to the Dutch Chess Federation
it's unfortunate that this happens to you as an organization
you're also glad that such bad apples are removed," Groffen said
you're also glad that such bad apples are removed
The player’s previous results in the tournament still stand
pending the organizers' report to the Dutch Chess Federation and an investigation by FIDE's Fair Play Commission
The case could then be referred to FIDE's Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC)
The incident this year marks the second cheating case in the Hogeschool Zeeland tournament
a player from Singapore was suspended by the EDC for two years for cheating in the 2019 tournament
made via email to FIDE more than two years after the event
detailed how he had used the phone to find moves during four of his games
The arbiters had never suspected him of cheating during the tournament
In 2019, Chess.com also covered the case of a player caught with a phone during the Dutch Open Championship in the Netherlands
The 19-year-old amateur with a national rating of 1512
who had previously been suspected of cheating due to strong results in several tournaments
was eventually caught carrying a phone when he was scanned with a metal detector
The issue of cheating in both online and over-the-board tournaments has become increasingly prevalent in recent years
with organizers being forced to adopt stricter anti-cheating measures. The use of metal detectors has become more common during high-profile events
but it's also not unusual to have almost no fair-play measures at all in grandmaster-level tournaments
Chess.com has contacted the organizers requesting a comment on this story
Damen Naval announces the celebration of 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde Shipyard (Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde) and 25 years as Damen Naval
the dedicated naval division of Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Naval traces its origins back to 1875 when the Royal Schelde Shipyard (Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde) was founded in Vlissingen
Strategically located with direct access to the North Sea via the Scheldt River
the Royal Schelde established itself as a cornerstone of craftsmanship and naval shipbuilding in the Netherlands
this heritage entered a new chapter as Damen Naval
the shipyard celebrates a double anniversary: 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde and 25 years as Damen Naval
the Netherlands’ sole naval original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
the shipyard delivered more than 420 vessels worldwide
and service provider throughout the ship’s entire lifecycle
Craftsmanship and communityUnder the guidance of pioneers like engineer Bruno Tideman
the Royal Schelde laid the groundwork for modern naval engineering
it was a centre for industrial innovation but also a cornerstone of the local community
and introduced one of the Netherlands’ first occupational health services
The first major naval order came in 1878: iron brig-rigged training vessel Castor for the Royal Netherlands Navy
This marked the start of a long partnership that would shape the shipyard’s future
the Royal Schelde achieved another milestone with the construction of HNLMS O.1
the company received its royal designation
as one of the oldest companies still engaged in its original activity
this distinction remains a symbol of its enduring contribution to industry in the Netherlands and its trusted partnership with the Royal Netherlands Navy
Advanced naval capabilitiesBy the mid-20th century
the Royal Schelde was producing vessels that met the demands of modern naval warfare
it began constructing guided-missile frigates
This was followed by the standard or S-frigates and the M-Frigates
which were multipurpose and adapted to NATO’s evolving requirements
the ship builder added amphibious ships for rapid deployment
and other advanced vessels to its catalogue
The Royal Schelde became part of Damen Shipyards Group
This merger combined the shipyard’s heritage with Damen’s global expertise
Damen Naval introduced the innovative modular and customisable SIGMA range of frigates
Damen Naval stimulates local industry by enabling countries to construct vessels at their national shipyards
Ten of these frigates are currently in service with navies worldwide
Each project consistently involves numerous Dutch suppliers
Engineering the futureAs Damen Naval marks its 150th anniversary
with growing security challenges facing Europe and the Netherlands
there is a renewed awareness of the necessity to modernise and strengthen our armed forces and naval fleet
nations are taking steps in this direction
Damen Naval has recently started working as a strategic partner to its launching customer – the Ministry of Defence – on the renewal and replacement of the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet
strengthening the Netherlands‘ capabilities while also contributing to the much-needed European defence cooperation
The fleet replacement includes the Combat Support Ship Den Helder and the new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates
Damen Naval leads several naval construction programs for NATO and EU partners
including the ASW frigates for the Belgian Navy and the F126 frigates for the German Navy
From its origins 150 years ago to its position today as the Netherlands’ sole naval OEM
Damen Naval continues to shape the future of naval engineering
The heritage of the Royal Schelde lives on in every vessel launched and every mission supported
Volker Schwichtenberg – CEOUta Schwichtenberg – CEO und Rechtsanwältin
Christine-Demmer-Straße 753474 Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler
GermanyPhone: +49 2641 3703-0Fax: +49 2641 3703-199info@moench-group.com
Damen Naval announces the celebration of 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde Shipyard and 25 years as Damen Naval
Damen Naval traces its origins back to 1875 when the Royal Schelde Shipyard (Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde) was founded in Vlissingen
we celebrate a double anniversary: 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde and 25 years as Damen Naval
we have delivered more than 420 vessels worldwide
is the most famous ship de Schelde ever built
the ship was on the slipway in Vlissingen-Stad and was almost completed
the ship remained on the slipway and escaped the various bombings and shelling almost unscathed
the ship was delivered and was the flagship of the Royal Rotterdam Lloyd
In 1964 the ship was sold to the Italian Lauro Line
rebuilt and given a new name: Achille Lauro
the cruise ship sank off the coast of Somalia
Under the guidance of pioneers like engineer Bruno Tideman
HNLMS Noord-Brabant (D810) was a Dutch submarine hunter commissioned in June 1955 and decommissioned in 1974
MS Kungsholm was a cruise ship built by De Schelde in 1953 on behalf of the Swedish American Line
While the ship was under construction at the slipway in the middle of the city
the new ship was launched and christened by Princess Sibylla of Sweden
Construction of MS Kungsholm began in 1950
Modular shipbuilding anno 2025 is very different from the craftmanship of the first half of the 20th century
One of the main tasks of Joint logistic Support Ship (JSS) HNLMS Karel Doorman (left) is replenishing other ships at sea
HNLMS Karel Doorman is supplying fuel to the Air Defence and Command Frigate HNLMS Tromp
The Combat Support Ship Den Helder will soon become the second replenishment ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy
we have recently started working as a strategic partner to our launching customer – the Ministry of Defence – on the renewal and replacement of the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet
strengthening the Netherlands’ capabilities while also contributing to the much-needed European defence cooperation
From our origins 150 years ago to our position today as the Netherlands’ sole naval OEM
the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Damen Naval signed a contract for the design
and delivery of four Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates; two for the Netherlands and two for Belgium
The ASW frigates will replace the current Karel Doorman-class Multipurpose frigates
although the emphasis will be on anti-submarine warfare
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Authorities in the Netherlands intercepted a massive cocaine shipment valued at 118 million euros during a routine inspection at the Port of Vlissingen
customs officials uncovered 1,575 kilograms of the drug hidden among pallets of fruit imported from Colombia
was intercepted and the cocaine was immediately destroyed
The cocaine was concealed within the fruit cargo
The drugs were detected during standard inspections at the port
a key entry point for goods coming from South America
reflects the ongoing vigilance of our teams," a customs spokesperson said
The discovery follows a series of significant drug busts at the Vlissingen port
uncovered 600 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas
278 kilograms of cocaine were found in similar circumstances
each containing more than 700 kilograms of cocaine
Authorities arrested three men from the Zeeland region in connection with these larger finds
though no arrests have been made in connection with this latest shipment
The investigation into the origin and recipients of the cocaine shipment continues
The authorities have yet to make any arrests related to the most recent bust
Security at the port was reinforced with support from the Royal Marechaussee and local police forces
Customs officers have been increasingly successful in intercepting large quantities of cocaine entering the Netherlands via the fruit trade
The Netherlands has become a major transit point for drugs
with ports like Vlissingen playing a critical role in the global drug trade
The police have arrested two people after finding 334 kilos of cocaine in the port of Vlissingen
The drug find was already on Wednesday but was made public by the Public Prosecution Service (OM) on Friday evening
The drugs were among a shipment of bananas from Colombia
and according to the Public Prosecution Service had a street value of over 25 million euros.As a result of the cocaine find
the detective team of the Zeeland-West Brabant unit of the Seaport Police launched a further investigation
This led to the arrest of a 55-year-old resident of Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht on Friday
The suspect's home was searched on a court order where digital data carriers
another 26-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on the highway near Ede
Both suspects were taken into custody for further investigation
They are currently under strict house arrest.The drugs were seized and have since been destroyed by the customs special task force (TBB)
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Dutch developer Lion Storage has secured an irrevocable building permit for its 364 MW/1457 MWh battery energy storage project located in the Vlissingen port
From pv magazine ESS News site
After unveiling the project earlier this year
Dutch developer Lion Storage announced Monday that its flagship battery energy storage system (BESS) project Mufasa has reached a major milestone as its building permit had been granted irrevocably
With a power output of 364 MW and a capacity of 1457 MWh
the project is poised to claim the title of the largest utility-scale BESS in the Netherlands once operational
Mufasa will be strategically located in the Vlissingen Port (North Sea Port)
one of the upcoming energy hubs in the southwestern Netherlands
The project will have direct access to TenneT’s high-voltage grid and be situated close to several large-scale hydrogen electrolysis and offshore wind projects under development
It is slated to start commercial operation in 2026
As it announced the Mufasa plans in February
Lion Storage said that the four-hour BESS project will be operating on a full merchant basis
It will be active in all wholesale power and ancillary services markets
facilitating further integration of renewable power on the power grid
while offering system services ensuring system balance
To continue reading, please visit our ESS News website
More articles from Marija Maisch
Please be mindful of our community standards
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
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Customs officers intercepted 2,598 kilos of cocaine during an inspection at the port of Vlissingen on February 27
Five men were arrested in connection with the smuggling operation
The drugs were concealed in pallets of fruit shipped from Ecuador and destined for a company in Europe
with an estimated wholesale value of 65 million euros
was secured by the Team Bijzondere Bijstand (TBB) and has since been destroyed
The Zeehavenpolitie assisted in securing the port during the operation
After the cargo first arrived in Vlissingen
it was transported by truck to a warehouse in Ulvenhout
where members of the Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) raided the site and took the suspects into custody
Vlissingen celebrated the liberation of the Zeeland port city 80 ago on Saturday and commemorated the Battle of the Scheldt
The main speaker during the commemoration was Tobias van Gent
one of the authors of a book about the Battle of the Scheldt
accompanied by the Deltaband and the Korps Commandotroepen
there was a wreath-laying ceremony at Uncle Beach at the Oranjemolen at 2:30 p.m
"We will remember them." Vanuit de Sint Jacobskerk liep een lange stoet richting Uncle Beach. Daar vond het tweede deel van de herdenking plaats. Dat gebeurde in woord, daad, muziek en stilte. Het was een bijzondere herdenking van de bevrijding van Vlissingen. #slagomdeschelde pic.twitter.com/QIK2mFO2st
Van Gent explained during the commemoration that the Battle of the Scheldt was "very important" for the liberation of the Western Scheldt area
remained unknown for a long time compared to other military operations
"There are several answers to that," said Van Gent
which ensured that the Zeelanders did not explicitly draw attention to the battle themselves
The Battle of the Scheldt was of great importance for defeating Nazi Germany but remained unknown for too long
Several speakers emphasized this and also pointed out that freedom and peace are still not self-evident
Part of the Battle of the Scheldt was the landing of the Allies on the morning of November 1
This amphibious landing was codenamed Uncle Beach
The Battle of the Scheldt was of strategic importance to gain possession of the port of Antwerp
The city of Vlissingen was liberated on November 3
there was also heavy fighting in Westkapelle and at the Sloedam on Walcheren
said that freedom is not self-evident even now
and must always be protected." Tuinman also emphasized that the battle was a unique military cooperation between different countries in the fight for the freedom of the Dutch
“The Battle of the Scheldt was one of the heaviest military operations on Dutch soil in WWII
and Canadians fought together for our freedom,” he wrote on X
De Slag om de Schelde was één van de zwaarste militaire operaties op Nederlandse bodem in WOII. Nederlanders, Fransen, Britten en Canadezen vochten er samen voor onze vrijheid. In Vlissingen herdachten we de offers die toen zijn gebracht. Die mogen en zullen we nooit vergeten. pic.twitter.com/ALpUWDC7Vm
The Zeeland deputy Arno Vael agreed with Tuinman's words
Vael also noted that "wars are still being fought a few hours' flight from the Netherlands." The deputy referred to the battle between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas
there was also heavy fighting in Westkapelle and at the Sloedam during the Battle of the Scheldt on Walcheren
at the time the only access to Walcheren by land
Middelburg mayor Yvonne van Mastrigt pointed out that today's media provide information on a daily basis about "horrors not so far away"
She stated that fighting begins in a world where people think differently and that it is therefore important to keep talking to each other
In an investigation into drug trafficking in the port of Vlissingen, an undercover cop posed as a drug criminal and imported 100 kilograms of cocaine through a transshipment company. The police officer paid 180,000 euros to the directors of the company, Nieuwsuur reports based on the police file
the police raided Bulk Terminal Zeeland (BTZ)
and arrested the company's three directors
Vlissingen mayor Bas van Tillaar ordered the company to close for a year
The authorities have long suspected that BTZ was a cover for cocaine trafficking
decrypted chat messages revealed the company as a facilitator of drug trafficking
The police tapped the directors’ communications for a year in a half
They also covertly installed microphones in the directors’ offices and a camera at the company’s entrance gate
A police officer posed as a drug criminal and smuggled drugs through the company
the cop paid two directors 180,000 euros and smuggled 100 kilograms of cocaine through the BTZ premises
The police concluded that several shipments of cocaine
had been present on the BTZ premises in recent years
The drugs the cop smuggled came from a shipment previously seized at a completely different location
“This shows how far the investigation goes.”
The lawyer said that the authorities didn’t find any drug money on Jacco G
“It may be different for the co-suspects.” There was also no mention of drug trafficking in any of G.’s tapped communications
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) believes that G.
“he can’t keep an eye on everything.” The lawyer added that many port companies have to deal with drug trafficking
but that does not necessarily mean that the management is involved
Wouters called the closure of BTZ exaggerated
“BTZ is being portrayed as a criminal organization
denies having “anything to do with drugs,” his lawyer René de Groot said
“He thought that the money came from cash payments from the scrap metal trade
I have found little or no evidence of his involvement in the cocaine trade in the file
and the question is whether that was done correctly
Seems suspiciously like entrapment to me.”
The third director asked his lawyer not to respond
The authorities have seized almost 2 million euros from the three directors
Two separate shooting incidents on Thursday afternoon left four people injured
a gunman opened fire on a moving tram in Rotterdam
The fatal shooting took place in Vlissingen
The Rotterdam shooting happened at about 1:15 p.m
when a man fired gunshots at a tram on Groene Hilledijk
One of the two people who were wounded in the shooting stayed behind in the tram and was taken to the hospital
The other victim left the tram and has not been seen since
The suspect has also not been found as of yet
an assailant opened fire on Visodeweg in Vlissingen just a few minutes before the Rotterdam incident
Officers found two victims at the scene of the crime
The second victim has been taken to the hospital
The police are investigating both incidents
with camera footage being looked at and witnesses being spoken to about the Rotterdam shooting incident
Officers are also calling on any witnesses of the shooting in Vlissingen to contact the police
Authorities in Vlissingen have ordered the closure of trans-shipment company Bulk Terminal Zeeland (BTZ) amid allegations the company has been linked to drug trafficking for years
Vlissingen Mayor Bas van den Tillaar ordered the company to be closed for 12 months starting on July 24
He said BTZ “has probably been part of organised international drug trafficking for a very long time.” The mayor stated it is plausible that “large quantities of 100 to more than 1,500 kilograms of cocaine have been present on the BTZ site for several year.”
The company located at the Vlissingen-Oost location of the North Sea Port is also said to have been used as a front company “with direct involvement from the directors
and ties to criminal organisations.” The mayor made the decision to close the buildings and the site of the storage and trans-shipment company in the port area based on a report from the police
A criminal investigation is underway into the company and its directors
Three of the company’s directors were arrested in May in a joint operation by the police and financial crimes inspectorate FIOD
which was under the supervision of the Public Prosecution Service (OM)
They are suspected of importing cocaine from South America
participating in a criminal organisation and forgery
The first pro forma hearing regarding their case is scheduled for August 8
The company is also under investigation for environmental crimes
The mayor wants to use the measure to send a message that “abuse of our port will not be accepted.” In the coming period
he will consult with the North Sea Port on ways to prevent recurrence
Van den Tillaar empathized with employees who will be affected by the closure
“The seriousness of the illegal practices at BTZ
where the underworld and the upper world seem so intertwined
A 25-year-old man was arrested on Sunday for kicking an 11-year-old girl in the chest and knocking her to the ground on a Vlissingen street
The police caught the man shortly after the apparently random attack
The police received the first report of the assault at around 9:30 p.m
The girl was walking with her father near the supermarket on Aagje Dekenstraat when the man attacked her out of nowhere
Paramedics checked the girl’s injuries at the scene
Investigators asked witnesses to come forward
One of the directors of transshipment company Bulk Terminal Zeeland (BTZ)
is pointing towards his two fellow directors and also fellow suspects
he knew nothing about the years of extensive drug trafficking that had happened via the harbor in Vlissingen
were allegedly the culprits on Thursday in the court in Breda where the first preparatory session took place
The three men from Zeeland are suspected of importing cocaine from South America
and being involved in a criminal organization
The drugs were hidden in shiploads from Brazil that contained soybeans
were arrested on May 6 after an operation by the police and the FIOD
he had no idea what his fellow suspects were doing
"The million euros company and his life work have been destroyed," said his lawyer
"He is getting his punishment now when he has not even been convicted yet."
The public prosecution service has a different opinion
and the other two maintained the criminal contacts
"Jacco had to be deliberately kept out of harm's way
with the aim that he could continue the company if the other two were caught."
The court sees sufficient serious objections to keep all three suspects in jail for now
the case will not be dealt with in substance
The police and the judiciary had been watching the company for years. The directors were wiretapped, and there was also said to have been a police infiltrator. BTZ was closed down for a year last month by the mayor of Vlissingen.
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Customs officers found over 3,600 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas from Ecuador at the port of Vlissingen on Wednesday. “This is the largest drug seizure in Zeeland so far this year,” the Public Prosecution Service (OM) said. The intercepted cocaine had a street value of over 270 million euros.
The drugs were discovered during a regular inspection. The bananas were on their way to Germany.
The Seaport Police arrested a 27-year-old man from Middelburg on suspicion of involvement in the trafficking of these drugs. The authorities also searched his home. He is in custody for further investigation.
Customs’ special assistance team destroyed the intercepted drugs.
Photo: Dutch customsPolice and customs officials have seized a record 3,600 kilos of cocaine in the port of Vlissingen
the public prosecution department said on Thursday
It is the largest haul discovered at the Zeeland port this year and has an estimated street value of €270 million
Vlissingen port police have arrested a 27-year-old man from Middelburg on suspicion of involvement in the drug smuggling
hidden in a consignment of bananas from Ecuador and destined for Germany
Just last month police seized 497 kilos of cocaine at the port
Vlissingen is one of the smaller ports being targeted by drugs criminals, who are moving trade away from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It now has its own port police to combat the trade
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The woman’s neighbors contacted the housing corporation on July 19
reporting that they could see mice and rats in the home's curtains
the police also responded to the home after neighbors reported their concerns about the woman
The responding officers found a seriously dirty home
The woman showed the police officers the door a short time later
but they’d seen enough to escalate the matter and call in help
the Emergis crisis service went to the home with the police
They found rats and mice running wild through the house
Crisis workers gave the woman and her daughter oxygen because of the strong ammonia smell caused by the rodent droppings before moving them to the crisis center
The rodents are spreading to other homes in the neighborhood
and the woman’s home is so filled with stuff that the housing corporation cannot effectively deal with the plague
the woman won’t let it clear out the house
“We have not yet been able to look under the stuff in the house
so we do not know what the condition of the house is,” a l’Escaut employee said
The court said it realizes the need for haste in this decision - because the rodents are spreading and because l’Escaut would like to deal with the situation while the woman and her daughter are staying at the Emergis crisis center
from parents Herman and Joukja Andringa (Bos)
2023 at the Penticton regional hospital after a nasty fall
growing up as a typical Dutch child wearing wooden shoes
When she was 12 years old the second world war broke out in Europe
so she was forced to quit school and go to work on farms alongside her dad to help support the family
Food was scarce during those years and eggs and meat were luxuries
Curfews were in place with blackout blinds were drawn over the windows in the evenings
so the town remained dark to avoid getting hit by airstrikes at night
Occasionally German SS officers would raid the town in the night
forcing men or teenage boys from their beds
and shipping them to work in the factories in Germany
her dad and two oldest brothers ended up hiding under the canvas tarps at night that covered the potato hills
and miserable sleeping arrangement causing her dad to fall deathly ill for several weeks
The family feared he would die at that point (but he survived)
so Theresa and her whole family took the first passenger ship to immigrate to Canada for a better life
19 at the time met the love of her life on the 2-week journey across the stormy Atlantic… John (Jan) Van Vlissingen was a young man from Brabant
Romance soon blossomed much like the story of the Titanic
They landed in Montreal where Theresa and John had to part ways for that year
John worked on a farm in Montreal while Theresa and her family took the long 4-day trek across Canada by train to Alberta where her family was sponsored
John moved to Alberta after a year and worked for the forestry and logging camps
they got married and settled on a homestead in Highway
Not having electricity or running water was new for both so the learning curve of pioneer life was steep
and brought 4 babies into the world; Pauline
During that time Theresa worked on their farm
Theresa worked alongside her husband and children for the next 20 years
After 50 she got her driver’s license and spent the summers and other holidays enjoying and loving her first 4 grandchildren; Grant
Theresa stayed in the farmhouse for the next 28 years renting out the land
and crafts with her artistic flare coming to life
And she even taught others painting and crafting
Much of her work she entered to compete in the fall fairs
When her oldest grandchildren were teenagers and didn’t come quite as often
She especially loved the daily phone calls from her youngest grandchild
When Theresa’s health started to deteriorate being in constant pain due to a crumpling hip
and no longer had her driver’s license
she eventually moved into the Beaver Lodge in the town of McBride for a year and a half
she moved to the Summerland Senior’s Village in Summerland
nearby to her middle daughter Bertie for almost 6 years
Life had slowed down for her by 95 but she still enjoyed great visits over a cup of coffee
and enjoyed Sunday family dinners every week
Theresa was predeceased by her husband John
She is survived by her children; Pauline Heffernan (Austin)
and Margaret Franke; “adoptive daughter” Sue Bergstrom (Dean); grandchildren; Grant
She was known for her feisty stubborn spirit
her nurse was astounded by her gratitude she had for the kindness of the nurse's care
Celebration of Life will be in McBride BC sometime during the week of July 17th to 23rd
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