Arm-44 Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On February 15, 2026, the sheerleg vessel 'Matador 3' (IMO: 9272137) successfully transported the decommissioned fishing trawler 'Neeltje Jannetje' to the facilities of HSD Services & Decommissioning located in Kaloothaven, Flushing-East. This operation is part of a larger initiative spurred by a significant criminal investigation into illicit fishing practices. In conjunction with this operation, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) has enacted penalties against various shipping companies and traders involved in these illegal activities. Aside from the 'Neeltje Jannetje', the trawler 'Jan Senior - ARM 7' (IMO: 8718938) has also been dismantled amid these proceedings. The investigation has led to the sentencing of multiple crew members and skippers, who received suspended prison terms coupled with extensive community service mandates. The investigation began following revelations from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) in 2021, which sparked inquiries into the roles of Dutch fishermen and traders in unlawful fishing practices. The High Impact Environmental Crime (HIEC) unit, part of the National Investigation and Intervention Unit, carried out a comprehensive investigation that culminated in an action day in the spring of 2023 at the Flushing port. This operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of multiple fishing vessels. During the raids, law enforcement discovered hidden compartments aboard several captured vessels, where illegally traded 'black fish'—typically undersized fish or those prohibited during certain seasons—were found. The amount of illegally harvested fish found escalated to several thousand kilograms, underscoring the scale of the operation. These misdeeds were often conducted overnight and out of regulatory sight. The Public Prosecution Service has addressed various cases against the implicated skippers, crew members, and companies through the court system in Middelburg. A total of six skippers and six crew members faced legal proceedings resulting in suspended sentences, along with significant community service. Penalty notices have been issued to the implicated shipping firms, leading to the destruction of the aforementioned trawlers owned by the Siereveld family from Arnemuiden, which were found to have concealed illegal catches. In contrast, two other trawlers, which did not contain hidden compartments, were returned to their owners to allow for lawful fishing practices to resume. Additionally, two traders received sentences that included ten-month suspended prison terms, 180 hours of community service, and an €80,000 fine for their companies. Although some cases related to boat seizures are still under legal review, the Public Prosecution Service is not ruling out future criminal investigations based on ongoing developments.

On February 15, 2026, the sheerleg vessel 'Matador 3' (IMO: 9272137) successfully lifted the decommissioned trawler 'ÄNeeltje Jannetje' from the waters at HSD Services & Decommissioning located in Kaloothaven, Flushing-East. This operation marks a significant step in the recycling process of the retired trawler, contributing to sustainable maritime practices.

Willem Jan Visser, hailing from Wouterswoude, has successfully acquired the fishing vessel 'Emma-ZK-14' from Lammert Bolt, a seasoned fisherman from Zoutkamp. At 55 years old, Bolt has opted to conclude his fishing career, lacking a successor to continue the family business. Though he had been contemplating retirement for some time, the unexpected offer for his trawler spurred him into action, leading to a swift agreement with the 37-year-old Visser. The vessel, now officially registered under the name 'Semper Fidelis-ZK 16' with the Dutch Register of Fishing Vessels on November 20, 2025, operates under Visser's company, Visserijbedrijf zk 23. Built in 2002, the 'Semper Fidelis-ZK 16' has a significant advantage over Visser's existing vessel, 'Semper Fidelis-ZK 23', which dates back to 1963. Notably, the new acquisition is equipped with a relatively modern main engine, a 300 hp Scania engine manufactured in 2023. As part of the broader Shrimp Fishery Restructuring Scheme, the older 'Semper Fidelis-ZK 23' is set to be dismantled at Hoeben RDM in Kampen, pending the completion of necessary paperwork. This facility is slated to decommission at least 40 shrimp trawlers. Fishermen interested in registering their vessels can do so until February 2, 2026, via the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to be eligible for subsidies. Additionally, notable scrapping of other large beam trawlers is on the agenda, including 'Jan Senior-ARM-7' and 'Neeltje Jannetje-ARM-44', both owned by Siereveld from Arnemuiden.