Amsterdam considers banning cruise ships from city centre

This article was originally published in English

Amsterdam is considering moving its cruise terminal outside the city centre to combat overtourism. By 2035, cruise ships will no longer be allowed to dock in the iconic capital of the Netherlands.

The announcement comes amid plans to drastically reduce the flow of ships at the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal (PTA).

The number of permitted ships, which currently stands at 190, is to be reduced to a maximum of 100 from 2026. It has been agreed that Rotterdam, in the south, will receive around 40 additional ships.

Why did the Amsterdam authorities take this decision?

By 2027, All ships in the Amsterdam terminal will have to use only shore power to reduce their impact on the environment.

“With these measures, the city is implementing the city council’s wish to end the cruise terminal in Amsterdam.”a city council spokesman said. “The ban on cruise ships is also part of a broader package of measures aimed at limiting the growth of tourism and combating nuisances.”.

Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren added: “Sea cruises are a fPolluting tourism elm which contributes to crowds and emissions in the city. By limiting cruises at sea, requiring land-based power and targeting the relocation of the cruise terminal [PTA] from its current location in 2035, City Council Responsibly Implements City Council Proposal to End Sea Cruises“.

What will be the consequences of the ban for the tourist centre of Amsterdam?

Currently, cruises bring in around 105 million euros per year to the city.

While the plans will undoubtedly help improve environmental conditions in Amsterdam, Some fear that tourism revenues will fall sharply.

The Amsterdam City Council is aware of these risks: “For the city, this means less revenue, as fewer tourism taxes are collected, and fewer dividends are paid as a shareholder of the port authority.”explains a spokesperson.

“The financial consequences of this decision will be included in the next budget memorandum. No consequences of this decision are yet expected in the 2025 budget.”he adds.

Amsterdam welcomes every year some 21 million visitors, of which only 1% arrive by cruise ship.