Newsletter for members

December 2023

We are increasing the pensions in 2024 by 3.26% 

Each year, we try to increase your pension in line with prices. This is called indexation. The Bpf Koopvaardij Board has decided to increase your pension in 2024 by 3.26%. You recently received a letter from us about this. You can read an explanation of this decision on our website.

My Koopvaardij is going to be improved

We are improving our administration system and My Koopvaardij. Communicating changes or applying for a pension is not possible. You can submit your changes from the beginning of January 2024.

The 2024 key figures will be available shortly

Each year, we adjust the amounts and percentages for the pension scheme. This may be necessary as a result of changes to the pension scheme rules or the agreements made with the social partners in the merchant navy. You will find this information in January at www.koopvaardij.nl.

Questions about the new pension system

Now that the new Dutch Future Pensions Act has taken effect, we can well understand that you have questions. On our website, we therefore answer the most frequently asked questions about the new pension system.

What is the difference between the solidarity scheme and the flexible scheme?

In the new pension system, there are two types of schemes. In the solidarity scheme, we absorb windfalls and setbacks together, investments are made collectively and pensions are more stable. In the flexible scheme, you have more influence on the risks involved in investing your pension. The social partners (trade unions and employers' organisations) in the merchant navy have yet to take the final decision, but at the moment they tend to prefer a solidarity-based defined contribution scheme. Once the arrangements are finalised, we will let you know via the website and our newsletter.

Risk appetite survey: will you be participating?

Your opinion is important to us. You will therefore soon receive an invitation to participate in our risk appetite survey. We use this survey to collect information on how you think about your pension, and how much risk you are willing and able to take in that regard. This is important as we are now preparing for the future pension scheme. The better we know what matters to you, the better we can take that into account in our decisions. We are conducting this survey in collaboration with Montae & Partners. You can expect an invitation from us in early February. Will you be participating?

Review of our pension meetings

Our pension meetings took place on 25 October, as well as on 22 and 27 November. Were you unable to attend? We will be organising meetings again next year. We look forward to welcoming you! On our website you will find the presentation (Dutch only) and a short impression of the well-attended meeting in Dordrecht.

'Lump sum' pension choice has been deferred

Withdrawing part of the pension at retirement will not be possible until 1 January 2025. Carola Schouten, outgoing Minister for Poverty Policy, Participation and Pensions, informed the House of Representatives that the previously planned start date of 1 July 2024 will not be feasible. As soon as withdrawing a 'lump sum' is finally possible, we will let you know via the website and our newsletter.

Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year!  

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© Bedrijfspensioenfonds Koopvaardij