Zeeland

Zeeland’, might sound familiar, huh? Our province is actually the reason why they call the pretty well-known Zealand on the other side of the globe ‘New’.

Water didn’t solely bring good to the province.The area has experienced many devastating floods during its existence. The North Sea flood of 1953, known as the Watersnoodramp, is one of the biggest disasters in modern Dutch history. The water reached unprecedented heights during a great storm, causing much of Zeeland and parts of Brabant to flood. The 1836 casualties were mainly from Zeeland. In the wake of this disaster, one of the greatest engineering projects in human history unfolded. Between 1954 and 1997, the Delta Works were created: a huge construction project consisting of dams, bridges, locks, dykes, and storm surge barriers, ensuring that a similar disaster would never happen again. The Delta Works are named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and are illustrious for the Dutch relationship with water. As most of the works are in Zeeland, these impressive constructions are the definitive landmark for the province.

Because of its proximity to the sea and its natural beauty, Zeeland is good for ten million overnight tourist stays per year. It’s no surprise that over ten per cent of all jobs in Zeeland are in the tourism and leisure sectors. Another important part of its economy is the maritime sector and port infrastructure, naturally. Large shipbuilding companies like Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) are based in Zeeland. 

Zeeland is one of the most important logistical hubs in our country. It is located between the port of Antwerp and the port of Rotterdam, the two largest in Europe. North Sea Port, a fusion of the ports of Vlissingen, Gent and Terneuzen, is in the top 10 of the largest ports in Europe itself. Many companies of different sectors have settled here because of Zeeland’s international connection.

Zeeland has a favorable climate for developments within the chemical sector. It has one of the largest chemical clusters in northwestern Europe. These include major global players such as DOW,  Trinseo, Yara, ICL-IP, and several logistics companies, such as Katoen Natie and Ravago. Due to the large chemical cluster, the direct proximity of a strong energy cluster and the close partnerships between companies, governments and knowledge institutions, continuous development is taking place. Ambitious talent in the chemical and process industry will also feel at home here.

Many large (international) agricultural companies are also located here, such as AMC Vlissingen B.V.,  Kloosterboer,  King fish Zeeland,  Cargill,  Lamb Weston/Meijer and McCain. These companies are always looking for national and international talent who can help them develop new technologies and solutions.

Other exciting opportunities for young professionals are in the energy sector, as this province has the largest solar park and commercial tidal power plant in the world.

Zeeland is one of the energy hubs within the Netherlands, including offshore wind and solar energy. We are actively working on developments in the Zeeland energy sector. Energy Port Zeeland, is a partnership that focuses on education, the labor market and research.

With the use of residual heat as an energy source or the recycling of plastics and other materials circular economy is also well represented in the region. Besides that, Zeeland is also on the verge of becoming the most important hydrogen hub in Europe. As part of the  Smart Delta Resources region.

Sustainable innovation is introduced and implemented throughout all the sectors. This certainly applies to the chemical, energy, food and logistics sectors. The knowledge networks in Zeeland are fully committed to this. Smart Delta Resources is a partnership of governments, ports and large energy and raw material-intensive industrial companies in the Delta region (Zeeland, West Brabant and Flanders). The joint ambition is to realize a competitive and climate neutral industry by 2050. To this end, they have implemented sustainability programs.

Zeeland is without a doubt worth looking into if you are considering a move to The Netherlands. Not only does it have great opportunities for talent in any of the innovative sectors, but living here will also mean that you get to benefit from the healthy seaside air and fresh seafood.