Amsterdam is a land of tulips, bikes, and thanks to all those canals, boats, and while the vessels themselves aren’t going anywhere, there are some new plans on the horizon to mitigate the kind of boats which are allowed to bob around the city centre.
We reported recently that 14 cities across the Netherlands have implemented zero-emissions zones on their roads, but Amsterdam is taking that a step further with a new ‘environmental zone’ on its waters, too.
Thankfully, it probably won’t be the case that the canal tour you were excited about is going anywhere, as most of the boats in Amsterdam are already operated by emission-free engines. According to a Reuters report, 75 percent of the city’s 550 commercial boats were emission free in 2020. Today, that’s up to 500 out of 600 (around 83 percent), according to Blue News.
However, there are also 14,000 pleasure crafts in Amsterdam, 10,500 of which are moored in public waters – and from April, only ones powered by electricity or hydrogen engines (and rowing boats) will be welcome in the zone. Boaters disobeying will at first be given a warning, but from the summer, fines are set to be issued.
RECOMMENDED: The 7 best canal tours in Amsterdam.
There are a couple of exemptions. Until 2030, boaters with petrol and diesel engines who have already received a permit to sail for several years will be exempt, and historic museum boats also won’t be subject to the zone.
So, why has all this come about? Well, the clue is in the name – it’s to improve Amsterdam’s environment and air quality. Melanie van der Horst, the city’s transport representative, said lowering CO2 emissions was the priority, but there are also hopes to lower noise pollution. The impact will likely be felt the most during busy days in the summer months.
In order to get this scheme properly underway, the city is increasing the number of electric charging points for boats. By 2030, the aim is to have installed 2,500, with 300 of those over the next two years – right now, there are just 22.
So, clearly there’s a lot of work to be done, but it could well mean Amsterdam’s famous canals become slightly more tranquil (and environmentally friendly) in the near future. Stay tuned for updates, as well as what the fines could look like for non-abiding boaters.
Oh, and while you’re here, check out the best things to do in Amsterdam and the 25 best new things to do in the world in 2025 (which has all the deets on Amsterdam’s momentous birthday celebrations this year).
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