Why did European countries depend on Dutch ships during the 17th century?

During the 17th century, European countries relied heavily on Dutch shipping due to the superior efficiency and economic advantages of the Dutch merchant marine. The primary factor was the design of the flyboat (fluit), a specialized vessel that could carry large amounts of cargo while being operated by a smaller crew than those of its competitors, significantly reducing labor and provisioning costs.12

The Dutch established themselves as the "universal buyer-seller and shipper" of Europe, leveraging their strategic location at the nexus of major trade routes. They became the principal suppliers of essential commodities, such as grain and naval stores from the Baltic, to markets across western and central Europe, the Mediterranean, and even to nations like Spain, Portugal, and England.13

By replacing older trading centers and Hanseatic routes, the Dutch provided a reliable, cost-effective logistics network that supported the economies of their neighbors. This dominance was further bolstered by advanced financial institutions in Amsterdam, which facilitated the complex international trade that defined the Dutch "Golden Century".13