Buoy Communications partners with BLUE to bring broader, global brand and communications services to the Dutch maritime market

The Netherlands-based maritime and offshore specialist PR agency Buoy Communications has partnered with BLUE Communications, the UK-based global B2B communications specialist consultancy, to provide integrated communications services to companies operating across the maritime, energy and carbon sectors in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region and neighbouring markets.

Since its inception seven years ago, Buoy has gained a solid reputation in the ARA region for supporting both start-ups and scale-ups as well as larger, established maritime businesses with their communications, PR, reputation and positioning. The partnership provides a natural extension to both companies’ capabilities and creates opportunities to support clients across the Netherlands, Benelux and beyond.

BLUE has built a strong cluster of clients in the region over the years, benefiting from its fully integrated services spanning PR, communications, digital marketing, brand and creative.

Through its partnership with Buoy, BLUE’s market-specialist team of more than 30 people can now provide on-the-ground support across the European mainland. It gives Benelux-based companies in the marine, energy and carbon industries access to a wider knowledge pool and network with greater scope and scale.

BLUE also partners with Hagen PR in Shanghai, offering clients better access to key Asian markets including China, Korea and Japan.

Alisdair Pettigrew, founder and director – BLUE, commented: “How we communicate is changing, with companies in the maritime, energy and carbon markets recognising the importance of brand as a key differentiator. At the same time, the emergence of digital PR and marketing, including AI, means that how we communicate and the channels we select are more multi-faceted. The team at BLUE has known Joanne Kelleher for over a decade, spanning her time with GAC and Jumbo, and has admired from afar the work she and Ben have done in growing Buoy. We speak the same language in our approach and are very excited about the offering we can bring to these markets.”

Joanne Kelleher, founder and co-owner – Buoy Communications, added: “Who we work with is really important to us. Our clients are what we call ‘bold’ companies – businesses that are ready to change things up in maritime and aren’t content to fly under the radar. With BLUE, we can offer a wider range of services to support them as they strive to become even bolder than before.

“Deep down, I always hoped the day would come when I could work with the BLUE team again. They were partly my inspiration for starting Buoy, so to think that we can now serve clients together is special - not only for Buoy, but for the Dutch shipping and maritime market too. We share a straight-talking approach, combined with serious knowledge and experience across the maritime, energy and carbon sectors. Bringing those strengths together is a powerful combination, and one we’re genuinely excited about.”

Effective immediately, the partnership will launch with a brief panel discussion on how AI is reshaping communications in the maritime, energy and carbon markets, followed by a networking event, held on Thursday 19th November 2026 at De Rooftop bar in Rotterdam.