The European Maritime Heritage (EMH) will convene its Annual General Assembly (AGA) 2026 on Saturday, 21 March 2026, in Amsterdam, bringing together Members for a full day that combines the Association’s formal statutory business with high-value technical exchanges on key issues facing the traditional and historic maritime sector.
The General Assembly will be held at the BBZ (Aambeeldstraat 20, Amsterdam) and organised in a hybrid format, allowing Members to participate either on site or remotely. During the morning session, EMH Members will address the Association’s core statutory matters, including the review of activities and financial results for 2025 and the Activity Plan for 2026, membership decisions, and other items essential to the governance and future direction of EMH.
Following the General Assembly and a Members’ lunch, the afternoon programme will open to guests and invited participants, offering a series of focused presentations and discussions of broad interest to the maritime heritage community. The afternoon will begin with a welcome address by João de Almeida, President of EMH, setting the scene for the thematic sessions that follow.
The first technical session, “Traditional Ships under ES-TRIN”, will be delivered by Hendrik Boland, providing insights into the application of the European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels (ES-TRIN) to traditional and historic ships, including practical and regulatory perspectives.
This will be followed by a second session entitled “Accidents in the Traditional Fleet – Lessons Learned”, presented by Paul van Ommen, focusing on safety incidents in the traditional fleet and the key operational, technical, and organisational lessons that can be drawn to improve risk management and safety culture.
The day will conclude with a reception, offering an informal setting for networking and exchange among EMH Members, speakers, guests, and partners.
The EMH Annual General Assembly is a key moment in the Association’s calendar, reinforcing its role as a European platform for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy in the field of maritime heritage. EMH Members are warmly encouraged to attend and actively contribute, and partners and stakeholders are welcome to join the open afternoon sessions.
📍 Venue: BBZ, Aambeeldstraat 20, 1021 KB Amsterdam
📅 Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
🕘 Programme:
– 11:00–12:00 (CET) EMH General Assembly (Members only)
– 12:00–13:00 (CET) Lunch (Members)
– From 13:00 (CET) Open technical sessions and reception
Further practical information, including access details for online participation, will be communicated to Members in due time ahead of the meeting.
