The Dutch shipbuilding industry turned over €6.4bn last year, a rise of €300m on 2012 and the first increase in sales since 2008.

The increase is due to a rise in the number of orders. In 2012, Dutch shipbuilders were given 61 commissions to build sea-going boats but the total more than doubled last year to 136. The figures come from sector association Netherlands Maritime Technology.

Part of the increase is due to the Dutch prowess at building luxury yachts. Last year, 23 super yachts were built by Dutch firms, at a total cost of €807m.

The Dutch shipbuilding industry performs relatively well in European terms because it has specialised in technically complex projects. Nearly 60% of the orders in value terms are exported.