Page 30 - Dutch Ships in Tropical Waters
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around the VOC had to return to their original set-up with a network of trading posts and strongholds to support strong intra-Asian trade. By , VOC ships had visited most of the trading areas in Asia. The general characteristic of the second period (from till ) was the intensification of the shipping network and the fine-tuning of the organisation. Up to , there was a rapid expansion of trading settle- ments, fortifications, the semi-permanent fleet and staff in Asia. When in the position of the VOC was consolidated in the eastern parts of Asia, the company then extended its efforts to the western parts and, around , established a firm position there as well. During the sec- ond half of the th century, the VOC reached its peak in Asia as a commercial and military organisation. Fig. .. Growth of intra-Asian shipping in frequency and volume per ten-year period (<=) (based Table - (part , chapter )) It can be seen from figure -, that up to , there was a steep growth in the number of voyages, consistent with the initial development phase. From until there is slower but steadier growth: the existing network is further developed and intensified. In the period -, the intensity of the total intra-Asian shipping decreases slightly. If the volume of the shipping is considered, the same development pattern can be seen, though with some small deviations. The total volume of shipping grows until , but the percentage increase is less than the arrivals. After , growth stagnated somewhat, but then there was a steep growth in the volume again between and , even though there was only a small increase in the number of intra-Asian voyages during this period. The volume stabilises again between and . The difference between the number of voyages and cargo volume is related to the introduction of various vessel types; this aspect is explained in relation to the composition of the VOC fleet in Asia in chapter and chapter . The Voor-Compagnieën and the VOC Dutch shipping to Asia started during the last years of the th century when a direct sea route from the Netherlands to Asia was opened. After unsuccessful attempts to reach the Asian re- Dutch Ships in Tropical Waters
