Amsterdam to eliminate transatlantic cruise ship visits by 2035

11-07-24

Nearly a year after Amsterdam voted to ban large cruise ships from docking in the city center, the Dutch capital has decided to go a step further. By 2026, the number of cruise ship visits will be reduced to just 100 a year, down from 190 scheduled for this year. In addition, by 2035, no cruise ships will be allowed to visit the city at all.

"Transatlantic cruise ships are polluting and cause crowding and emissions in the city," the municipality stated in its announcement.

In addition to limiting the number of cruise ships, Amsterdam seeks to reduce emissions by requiring all ships to use shore power by 2027.

The municipality acknowledged the likely loss of revenue that will result from the reduction in tourism, both land-based and cruise, stating that the loss could range from €46 million to €103 million, according to Bloomberg.

The Port Authority hopes to have the passenger terminal relocated to Coenhaven, about 20 minutes from Amsterdam, by 2035. "In collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Port Authority and the Province of North Holland, it is being investigated whether it is financially and legally possible to relocate the PTA to Coenhaven," the municipality explained. "Based on this investigation, it will be decided in consultation with the government and the Port Authority whether to move as of 2035."

Although the announcement makes no mention of river cruise ships, it was indicated in April that there are plans to reduce the number of such cruise ships from 2,300 to 1,150.