Amsterdam to Slash Cruise Ship Visits and Relocate Terminal by 2035
Amsterdam, a city grappling with overtourism, has announced significant measures to tackle overcrowding and reduce tourism-related nuisances. The city council recently outlined plans to halve the number of large oceangoing cruise ships docking in the city center by 2026 and to completely eliminate the cruise terminal at Veemkade by 2035. These steps are part of a broader initiative to create a more sustainable and livable urban environment.
Starting in 2026, Amsterdam will reduce the number of sea cruise ships visiting the city from 190 to a maximum of 100 per year. The Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) will immediately revert to a single berth, and by 2027, all cruise ships will be required to use shore power, significantly reducing emissions while docked.
Key Measures and Their Impact
- Reduction in Cruise Ship Visits: By cutting the number of cruise ship visits by nearly half, Amsterdam aims to alleviate tourist congestion and reduce environmental impact. This reduction will help lower emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and CO2.
- Shore Power Mandate: From 2027, all cruise ships will need to connect to shore power, minimizing noise and air pollution in the city center.
- Economic Trade-offs: While these measures will bring environmental benefits, they also pose economic challenges. A decrease in cruise ship traffic will likely reduce tourist spending at local attractions and diminish revenue from tourist taxes and port authority fees. The city estimates a potential revenue loss between €46 million and €103 million annually.
Broader Policies for Sustainable Tourism
The decision to restrict cruise ship visits is part of a comprehensive strategy to manage tourism growth and enhance the quality of life for Amsterdam residents. The city is following recommendations from Berenschot, an independent research agency, to ensure a balanced approach that considers the interests of various stakeholders, including the cruise sector and local authorities.
Future Plans: Relocating the Cruise Terminal
Despite the impending changes, cruises to Amsterdam are not expected to disappear entirely. The Port Authority and the province of North Holland, in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, are exploring the feasibility of relocating the PTA to the Coenhaven area by 2035, approximately 20 minutes from the city center. This move aims to maintain Amsterdam’s status as a cruise destination while mitigating the negative impacts on the city.
Additional Efforts to Curb Overtourism
In addition to reducing sea cruise traffic, Amsterdam plans to cut the number of river cruises from approximately 2,300 to 1,150 annually. This is part of a wider effort to preserve the city’s character and environment.
Amsterdam has also implemented several other measures to manage overtourism, including:
- Short-term Rental Restrictions: New regulations limit the availability of short-term rental properties, reducing the impact on local housing.
- Ban on New Hotel Construction: The city has placed restrictions on the construction of new hotels to control the influx of tourists.
- “Stay Away” Campaign: Aimed at discouraging disruptive tourist behavior, this campaign seeks to promote a more respectful and enjoyable experience for both visitors and residents.
Amsterdam’s proactive approach highlights the city’s commitment to balancing tourism with the needs of its residents and the environment. By implementing these measures, Amsterdam aims to ensure a sustainable future for its iconic urban landscape.