Blog

The Dutch New Year's Dive, or "Nieuwjaarsduik," is a tradition that has captivated the nation since its inception in the 1960s. While the exact origins remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, it's believed to have been inspired by similar winter swimming practices found in other cultures.

2024 has been a year of significant strides for the maritime industry. From technological advancements to environmental concerns, the industry has adapted and evolved to meet the challenges of the modern world. Let's dive into the five biggest developments that have shaped the maritime landscape this year.

Ever wondered what it's like to design luxurious yachts in Germany? Our latest interview with Viktor Kazakov, an engineer at Abeking & Rasmussen, dives into his inspiring journey from Ukraine to Germany, sharing insights into his work on prestigious yacht projects, adapting to a new culture, and overcoming the language barrier.

In this blog, we sit down with Laila, a recruitment consultant at Middle Point, to chat about her journey to the Netherlands, the challenges she faced, and her rewarding experience in the world of recruitment. It’s a story of new beginnings, personal growth, and making meaningful connections in her work.

From understanding rental terms to navigating the local market, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find a home in Germany. Whether you're looking for a short-term apartment or a long-term lease, these tips will help smooth your transition into German life.

Moving to Germany is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of administrative tasks. The German bureaucracy is known for being thorough, efficient, and sometimes a bit overwhelming for newcomers. However, with the right guidance and preparation, you can successfully navigate these processes and settle into your new life with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle the German bureaucracy as an expat.

Moving to a new country is always an adventure, and Germany, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong economy, is a popular destination for expats. Understanding the cultural differences you’ll encounter is key to a smooth transition and enriching experience. Here’s a handy guide to help you prepare for your new life in Germany.

In this blog, we will explore how hydrogen and ammonia can fuel the future of maritime shipping, delving into their benefits, challenges, and the innovations driving their development.

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is celebrated annually on June 23rd. It's a day to honor the incredible contributions of women engineers around the world and to inspire the next generation of female engineers. This year, let's celebrate the achievements, break down barriers, and acknowledge the strides made toward gender equality in engineering.

Fuel consumption is a massive topic across the maritime industry. In 2022, global shipping alone accounted for nearly 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the amount of fuel consumed and switching to alternative non-fossil-based fuels can significantly impact the globe’s greenhouse gas production.

The maritime industry, a cornerstone of global trade, has long relied on manual labor and traditional methods for operations. However, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

We at Middle Point are filled with immense pride to announce our official partnership with the Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij (KNRM), the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution. As a company with deep connections to the maritime world, we understand the crucial importance of safety at sea. The KNRM, with its unwavering dedication, has been a beacon of hope and safety on Dutch waters for nearly two centuries, and we're honoured to now be considered a "Reder" (supporter) in their noble mission.

While many countries around the world recognize May 1st as International Workers' Day or Labour Day with a well-deserved public holiday, the Netherlands takes a slightly different approach. Let's explore: Why isn't Labour Day a national bank holiday in the Netherlands?

Explore Wismar, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Northern Germany. Discover its Hanseatic history, stunning harbor, beaches, and cultural events.

In the ever-evolving landscape of offshore energy, collaboration is key to driving sustainable growth and innovation. It is with great excitement that we announce Middle Point's membership in the Amsterdam Ijmuiden Offshore Ports (AYOP) network. As a dynamic company committed to facilitating jobs for professionals across the entire maritime industry, we are eager to contribute to AYOP's mission and collaborate with fellow members to create mutual value.

The iconic Sinterklaas steamship, synonymous with the Dutch holiday season, holds traditional charm with its red and white sails. However, envisioning a modern reinterpretation sparks curiosity. Imagining the transformation involves contemplating cutting-edge technologies and innovative features that could turn the classic vessel into a contemporary Sinterklaas sensation.

Witold Jakubowski moved to the Netherlands to work as a Senior Interior Engineer at Royal van Lent Shipyard. Since his move, Witold has embraced The Netherlands' walkable and cycle-friendly infrastructure. Want to know more about his story? Make sure to continue reading!

Rotterdam Europoort's remarkable evolution from a small fishing village to Europe's largest and most advanced port is a testament to technological innovation. From the game-changing containerization of the 1960s to contemporary automation and sustainability initiatives, the port's progress is awe-inspiring. This blog delves into five pivotal technological advancements that have driven this maritime success story, shaping not only the port but also the future of maritime trade. Continue reading!

This week, we are exploring the story of this intrepid spirited engineer that prompted his daring move ‘aha' moment when he knew The Netherlands was the next port of call. Göksel is a a seasoned Plans & Outfits engineer, whose career has been an extraordinary voyage from Turkey to The Netherlands.

What came first, the design or the functionality? Being able to combine these two is a constant tug-of-war for yacht designers. We bring you 4 excepcional yacht that integrate visually engaging designs and fulfill practical requirements.

From its humble beginnings in 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show has evolved into the grandest superyacht spectacle in Europe. With an awe-inspiring fleet of 120 superyachts and megayachts, along with highly anticipated 2023 launches, this year's show promises to be a maritime masterpiece. Continue reading to find out why we are excited for this year's show!

Do you live in the Netherlands and do you have access to a bike? Excellent! Here are some cycling routes for you to try out when the sun is out and shining.

How would you like to have a dinner at a medieval castle? What about enjoying live music at the zoo? We are giving you 4 activities you can do in the summer in the Netherlands! Continue reading to find out

Are you in the Netherlands this summer and do you want to know what water activities you can do in the summer? Continue reading

Moving to a new country can be quite daunting, especially when it comes to finding a place to call home. But fear not! We're here to lend a helping hand and share some handy tips to make your house-hunting adventure a lot smoother. We've got the inside scoop on navigating the Dutch housing market and finding a place that truly suits your needs.

On the 23rd of June we celebrate Women in Engineering day! We would like to tell you the story of Camila and her journey from Brazil to the Netherlands in a male dominated field

The summer is slowly but surely arriving to the Netherlands! If you would like to get out of the city and explore the many beaches that this country has to offer, continue reading to find out which one suits your needs best!

Dutch is a beautiful language full of idiomatic expressions that can be quite amusing. Especially, because the Dutch call things quite literally as they are. A few months ago, we shared some of our favorite funny sayings in the Dutch language that sound odd when you translate them into English. For our month of expats, we wanted to bring you Part II!

We want to celebrate the leap of faith our professionals take when trusting us to come to the Netherlands and Germany for a new opportunity. A leap of faith is exactly what brought the two protagonists of our success story Mircea Vartan and Simona Vartan to Hamburg, Germany. This will be a two part story so stay tuned for the continuation!

Have you relocated to the Netherlands for a new job opportunity and you don't know what to expect? Continue reading for a guide to the Dutch working culture

When it comes to selecting people for our team, we make sure that these values are shared, so that there are no surprises along the way. So if you consider joining our team, we thought of letting you know in advance some of our pitfalls

Sayings or proverbs are phrases that have been passed down from generation to generation and have a hidden moral or teaching. We have made a small compilation of our favorite Dutch proverbs translated to English and their meanings and origins.

Are you an expat and have you been invited to a Dutch birthday party? Gefeliciteerd! Do you want to celebrate your own birthday here or are you curious as to what the Dutch do on their yearly birthday party? With this guide to Dutch birthdays, you are guaranteed to not have any surprises, and you will fit in right away.

The Dutch government offers the opportunity for expats to benefit from tax breaks by applying a 30% tax facility. This ruling is certainly appealing to potential expats. However, certain criteria do need to be met. Continue reading to find out if you are eligible for this measurement!

If you work in the maritime industry, chances are you have heard from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. At Middle Point we want to help you out by giving you a small guide to visiting the city! Here are our tips to make the most out of your visit to this emblematic city.

What if we told you that the Netherlands also has beautiful coastal towns? We would like to give you a guide to a city with a maritime history that goes back a few centuries: the harbour city of Vlissingen! One of the only towns in the Netherlands with an English Translation: Flushing.

We all know that Christmas time is synonymous for food and joy. But what do the Dutch people usually eat around this time? Here is our top 5 Dutch food to eat for the Holidays! These are guaranteed to keep you warm and happy!

The holiday season has arrived! What better way to celebrate it then by paying a visit to a christmas market?

"Do you have any questions"? May seem like a daunting question during your job interview. We have outlined some of the best questions you could ask to go in-depth and find out if you are suited for the role and if this place is the right workplace for you.

Despite being a small country, the Netherlands has a fair share of beautiful historic cities. Continue reading to find out the top 4 oldest cities in the Netherlands!