The city of Amsterdam will limit the number of sea cruises that moor at the Passengers Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) from 190 to a maximum of one hundred per year from 2026 onwards. The PTA will also immediately return to one berth and cruise ships will be required to use shore power by 2027, as it is reported by the governing body, city council of Amsterdam.
The aim is a (definitive) departure of the PTA from its current location on Veemkade in 2035.
As they report, Rotterdam can take over 40 sea cruises that will no longer be allowed to dock in Amsterdam starting 2026.
“With these measures, the city is implementing the municipal council’s wish to put an end to the cruise terminal in Amsterdam. Banning cruise ships is also part of a broad package of measures to limit the growth of tourism and combat nuisance,” they write in announcing the new steps.
Discussions were held with many stakeholders from the industry, city, region and national government.
The city of Amsterdam officials report that the measure has positive effects on the reduction of pollutant emissions such as particulate matter, nitrogen and sulfur oxides and CO2 emissions. Not just because of the arrival of fewer ships, but also due to the obligation to have shore power from 2027 onwards.
The use of shore power, they note, ensures less noise pollution from moored ships.
City officials recognize that the restriction will reduce spending by sea cruise passengers and shipping companies in the city, citing as an example the decline for museums, catering, shops, and excursions. “Mainly due to less spending by tourists in, for example, museums, catering, shops and excursions, but also due to less fuel consumption.”
For the city, they say, this means less income because less tourist tax is collected, and because of a lower dividend payment as a shareholder of the Port Authority.
They are studying the financial consequences of the decision reporting it will be included in the next budget memorandum.
In consultation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Port Authority and the province of North Holland, a financial and legal feasibility study will be carried out in the coming period into a possible relocation of the PTA to the Coenhaven.
As they say, based on this feasibility study, the council will decide in consultation with the government, the Port Authority and the province of North Holland whether relocation is feasible by 2035.
