About Van Laar Maritime
Europe’s Leading Specialized Guard Vessel Operator
Van Laar Maritime is Europe’s foremost specialist in guard vessel operations, owning and operating a dynamic fleet of 34 specialized vessels worldwide. We provide comprehensive maritime solutions designed to safeguard and support your offshore projects.
Our skilled and experienced teams, both at sea and onshore, ensure unmatched operational safety, reliability, and service excellence. Driven by passion, flexibility, and a commitment to quality, we are dedicated to protecting your people, assets, and interests at sea—always ready to go the extra nautical mile.
Our Strengths at a Glance:
- Fleet of 34 specialized vessels operating globally
- A century of maritime expertise
- Over 300 dedicated crew members ensuring smooth operations
- Unwavering commitment to offshore security and support
Each vessel in our fleet has its own unique story, yet all share a singular commitment: exceptional offshore security, robust support, and operational success.
At Van Laar Maritime, the sea is more than just our workplace—it is our legacy.
Our History
Established in 1925, Van Laar Maritime has a rich maritime heritage spanning nearly a century. It all began when Jacobus van Laar acquired a small fishery supply store, “De Kleine Stores,” in IJmuiden, the Netherlands. His entrepreneurial spirit was carried forward by his son, Paul Sr., who further expanded the family’s maritime footprint.
In 1965, Paul Sr. and his son Koos ventured into sport fishing, acquiring two trawlers and launching “Sportvisserij IJmond.” By the early 1980s, the family expanded into maritime supply with “Van Laar Visserijketting,” now Europe’s largest supplier of specialized chains for the fishing industry.
In 2005, the sport fishing operation evolved into what is today Van Laar Maritime, repurposing and fully converting the original vessels for offshore guard duties. Recognizing the need for integrated maritime maintenance solutions, the company acquired a slipway facility in 2004, capable of servicing vessels up to 1,500 tonnes and 70 meters in length, now known as “Scheepswerf van Laar” (Van Laar Shipyard).
Today, Van Laar Maritime operates a thriving fleet of guard, chase, and support vessels, continuing a legacy defined by expertise, innovation, and dedication to maritime excellence.
