May 8, 2017

On Wednesday 26 April 2017, Honorary Member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), Mr Paul Boomsma, was awarded the ‘Officier in de orde van Oranje Nassau’; the civil and military Dutch order of chivalry.

Founded in 1892 by the Netherland’s then Queen Regent Emma, the Order is open to those who have earned ‘special merits for society’.

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander presented MrBoomsma with this highest decoration in appreciation and recognition of the effort he has made and the accomplishments he has achieved within the marine industry.

“I am incredibly proud to have received such a high decoration” commented MrBoomsma. “And I am honoured to accept”.

After the ceremony, Paul was guest of honour at a surprise party organised by his wife, Inge, which was attended by ICOMIA Honorary Treasurer, Peter Methven – who himself was awarded the UK equivalent title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009 – as well as friends and colleagues from the industry including IBI’s Nick Hopkinson, Irene Dros of METSTRADE, Ids Boersma, Theo Lingmont and several representatives of ICOMIA member, HISWA Holland Marine Industry, the non-profit Dutch Boating Industry Association, with which Paul is also affiliated.

MrBoomsma served as ICOMIA Honorary Treasurer for 41 years up until his retirement in June 2016. To mark his many years of service, the ICOMIA Executive Committee presented MrBoomsma with a certificate outlining his Honorary Membership of ICOMIA during the associations 50th Anniversary Congress held in Italy; he is only one of five individuals to have been awarded this commendation in the past 50-years.
“On behalf of ICOMIA, I would like to congratulate Paul on this epic achievement” said JoukoHuju, ICOMIA President. “Words cannot express how important his years of service in the marine industry have been – We are extremely proud of our Member and friend”.