On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Province of Flevoland and the municipality of Urk, together with Firda, Horizon, and 10 leading companies from Urk Seafood and Urk Maritime, took an important first step towards developing a Maritime & Seafood Campus Urk (MSCU). By signing a letter of intent, the partners expressed their shared ambition and commitment to jointly shape the planning phase. 

Building MSCU Together  

Based on a feasibility study by Berenschot and discussions with both seafood and maritime companies, the opportunities and possibilities for a campus were explored. It emerged that a knowledge, innovation, and training center in maritime and seafood sectors further strengthens local and regional opportunities. This is endorsed by all parties, who are therefore jointly committed to getting started. The signing of this letter of intent marks more than a formal step; it is the starting point of a joint movement. The Maritime & Seafood Campus will be a driver for innovation, sustainability, and growth. The municipality of Urk has reserved a plot on the new business park Port of Urk for this purpose.

As a region, we seize the opportunities ahead and invest purposefully in the future of the maritime and seafood sector. Together, we set course for a strong, future-proof campus, said Deputy Klopman. 

From Intent to Execution  

The letter of intent marks the start of the planning phase. In this phase, the partners collaborate on: 

  • Specification of the campus: elaboration of plan, programming, scope, functions, and business case 
  • Collaboration programs: on sustainability & innovation and human capital & talent development 

The signing is an important first step. The real implementation – who will do what, what resources are needed, and how these become available – follows in the coming period. With this step, the partners send a clear signal: we are going for it. Together, we work on a future-proof campus that serves as a flywheel for cooperation, innovation, talent, and growth in the maritime and seafood sector in Flevoland. 

A maritime campus is the breeding ground for technical innovation and maritime talent in our region, said Meindert-Jan de Boer – Director De Boer Marine. 

Photos by Fotostudio Wierd ©