Amsterdam plans to halve the number of cruise ships docking at the passenger terminal in the city center, according to the city’s mayor and aldermen.

Starting in 2026, the city administration intends to allow a maximum of 100 ships annually at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), located near Central Station. Currently, 190 ships dock there each year. Forty cruise ships that will no longer be able to dock in Amsterdam can be accommodated in Rotterdam.

The administration also aims to remove the cruise terminal from the city center by 2035, possibly relocating it to the Coenhaven in the Western Docklands. Effective immediately, there is now only one berth available at the current docking location, down from two previously.

Starting in 2027, docked ships will be required to connect to shore power. Currently, ships docked at the quay consume a significant amount of fuel to generate electricity, causing noise pollution and contamination, according to city broadcaster AT5.

'Polluting Form of Tourism'

With these measures, the administration is responding to the city council's desire to end sea cruises in the city. According to alderman Van Buren, cruise ships are a polluting form of tourism and contribute to the city's congestion.

However, fewer cruise ships will also mean less revenue for the municipality and local businesses, acknowledges the alderman. "This is primarily due to reduced tourist spending in museums, hospitality, shops, and excursions, as well as lower fuel sales." Additionally, there will be less tourist tax revenue, and the city, as a shareholder in the Port Authority, will receive a lower dividend payout.

The municipality states that the upcoming Spring Budget will take into account the financial consequences of this decision. The exact costs of the measures for the city are not yet known.

River Cruises

In April, Amsterdam already announced plans to halve the number of river cruises in the city. Starting in 2028, a maximum of 1,150 boats will be allowed to dock, with permission granted only to sustainable vessels.

The municipality expects this measure to result in 271,000 fewer river cruise tourists visiting the city. It is unclear how many fewer people will enter the city from sea cruises.



source: NOS.nl