Justice System
Dutch Justice: Accessible and Affordable
Dutch court proceedings are practical, informal, effective and less voluminous -and therefore faster and significantly less expensive- than in common law or Anglo-American justice systems. No lengthy hearings, no costly ‘disclosure’/’discovery’ proceedings or ‘cross examinations’. The judge plays an active role. Parties are represented in court by their lawyer only and not by a solicitor as well as a barrister.
The Dutch Civil Justice ranks high in the Rule of Law Index of the World Justice Project 2022.
Court Procedure
Dutch court procedures are known for their practical approach, which contributes to resolving disputes efficiently. The judge plays an active role.
Most court cases start with a writ of summons or application, containing the statement of claim. The defendant may then file a statement of defense, after which parties are to appear in person at a hearing before the court. The object of this hearing is for the judge(s) to ask questions and to investigate the possibility of an amicable settlement. If no settlement is reached, a judgment follows, in which the court can take final or interim decisions and/or decide on the next procedural steps to be taken. Subject to their obligation to properly inform the court, parties only submit evidence which they consider necessary for their case. The court may order the provision of additional evidence. Judgments can be appealed before the Courts of Appeal. The Supreme Court will decide on the law only (not on facts).
Read more: Dutch judicial system (PDF)
24/7
Dutch courts can be addressed for injunction proceedings around the clock for urgent maritime matters such as ship arrest.
Specialised Courts and Proceedings in English
The Rotterdam district court is highly specialized in maritime, transport and trade matters. The maritime chamber of the Rotterdam court has- within the boundaries of EU rules- exclusive jurisdiction in nearly all shipping cases in the Netherlands. Many port-related cases result from an international context. That is why parties can opt to conduct legal proceedings in English.
Read more: Procedure rules for proceedings in English (PDF)
Read more: The port and the court (PDF)
Netherlands Commercial Court
For the resolution of international business disputes in the English language the Netherlands Commercial Court (‘NCC’, Chambers of the Amsterdam District Court and Amsterdam Court of Appeal) was established in 2019.
Read more: NCC Rules
Recovery and Auction
The many vessels and goods present in Dutch ports and industry areas offer great opportunities for finding recovery for your claim. Vessels can be auctioned in the Netherlands within 6 weeks. The buyers may benefit from the activities in Dutch ports facilitating the booking of new cargoes.
Publication of Judgments
144 Dutch judgments on maritime and transport matters are published yearly in the monthly law report Schip en Schade.
All Dutch judgments are available online free of charge in Dutch.
Dutch judicial decisions (in English) on international conventions can also be found on the CMI database.
Enforcement of Dutch Court Judgments
Dutch judgments can be enforced immediately in all EU countries as per EU Regulation 1215/2012. The Netherlands are further party to the Lugano Convention 2007 enabling enforcement in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. Even in the absence of EU law or international conventions Dutch judgments are recognised worldwide on the basis of the principles of international comity.