Congratulations on your new job! If this is the first time you’re going to work in the merchant navy, you will automatically become a member of the Bpf Koopvaardij pension scheme. This means you will now be building up pension for later. There is also a pension for your partner and children, if any, when you die.
Most of the above takes place automatically. We ask you to do a couple of things yourself.
See your pension immediately online
My Koopvaardij is your personal secure pension environment containing the details of your pension at Bpf Koopvaardij. It shows you the amount of your pension and, if applicable, what we have arranged for your partner and children. You will also find a pension planner to make calculations with the various pension choices. You can log in using DigiD or eIDAS.
Log in at My KoopvaardijPension transfer: transferring previously built-up pension
Your previous pension scheme may differ from that of Bpf Koopvaardij. You should therefore carefully compare the two pension schemes using the Pension comparison tool . The value of your previously built-up pension always remains the same. Pension transfer is possible only if the financial situation of both pension funds/insurers is good enough. You can, however, always request a pension transfer. As soon as it is possible, the transfer will be initiated.
In case you wish to transfer your pension from your pension administrator abroad to Bpf Koopvaardij, some additional information is required.
Completing the form for foreign pension transfer
A pension transfer across borders is called an international pension transfer. In order to execute this pension transfer, you need to have your foreign pension administrator fill in and complete the Model Questionnaire for International Incoming Value Transfers. Have the form completed and send it together with your application form for pension transfer.
Please note: Bpf Koopvaardij has to have the pension transfer tested by De Nederlandsche Bank in case of a pension transfer from a pension administrator outside the European Union (EU). To see if the pension can be transferred. Please contact our Service Desk for more information.
Pension transfer or no pension transfer?
Requesting a pension transfer
You can request a pension transfer at My Koopvaardij . You can also complete the pension transfer application form (Dutch only), scan it and e-mail it to us. You will then receive an offer from us within two to five months to confirm whether you wish to proceed with the pension transfer.
Small pension in the Netherlands
If the pension at your old Dutch pension fund is below the statutory commutation limit of € 592.51 (2024), it will be automatically transferred to Bpf Koopvaardij. You do not need to do anything.
No pension transfer
In that case, your built-up pension will remain reserved at your old pension fund or insurer. You will eventually receive pension from them too.
If you change jobs
If you change to another job within the merchant navy, you (as a seafarer) will continue to build up pension at Bpf Koopvaardij. The pension build-up will continue automatically via your new employer.
If you are going to work for an employer outside the merchant navy, you can transfer the pension you have built up at Bpf Koopvaardij to your new pension fund or insurer. You can arrange this via your new pension fund or insurer. In order to transfer your pension abroad, your new pension administrator will have to fill in the Model Questionnaire for Outgoing Value Transfers. Have this document completed and filled in by your new pension administrator. We will use the document to determine whether the pension transfer is allowed.