This year's International Four Freedoms Award was presented to President Volodymyr Zelensky and the people of Ukraine, in recognition of their courageous struggle for freedom and democracy under exceptionally difficult circumstances. Prime Minister Rob Jetten delivered the tribute, in the presence of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix. The individual laureates were the Committee to Protect Journalists (Freedom of Speech), Gisèle Pelicot (Freedom from Fear) and Isidora Uribe Silva (Freedom from Want), while the religious laureate remained anonymous for reasons of personal safety. For the first time, a Youth for Freedom Award was also presented, which went to Deel de Duif - a powerful signal that the next generation in the Netherlands is actively committing itself to freedom and human rights.
Why we stand behind the Four Freedoms
Multraship is rooted in Terneuzen, at the heart of the Scheldt region, where we contribute every day to the safety and flow of one of Europe's busiest waterways. That responsibility does not stop at the waterline. Our teams work side by side with people of all backgrounds and nationalities, and in that daily reality we experience first-hand how valuable freedom, respect and equality truly are.
The ideals that Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt articulated more than 85 years ago — freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear — are not a legacy of the past, but a charge for the future. They form the moral compass for a dignified existence and for a sustainable, inclusive and just society. Those are values we cherish and hold close to our heart.
Freedom as part of our ESG commitment
For Multraship, supporting the Four Freedoms Awards is a natural extension of our wider commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility. Where our environmental efforts focus on protecting the marine environment and reducing the footprint of our operations, our social commitment is equally strong: safeguarding human rights, promoting diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector, and fostering safe and equitable workplaces, both onshore and at sea.
Strong values form the foundation of a strong society - and of a strong company. As a family business entering, we believe that long-term value creation is inseparable from the freedoms that make open economies, open ports and open societies possible. Partnerships like the one with the Roosevelt Foundation help us give tangible meaning to that belief.
Looking ahead
We congratulate all the 2026 laureates and thank the Roosevelt Foundation, the Province of Zeeland and the city of Middelburg for once again bringing the world's attention to the four freedoms that continue to shape our shared future. Multraship remains committed to supporting this important mission - in Middelburg, in our ports, and wherever our vessels and teams operate.
Only together can we keep fighting for freedom.
