Amsterdam Reaffirms Desire to End City-Based Ocean-Going Cruises by 2035

Upon the completion of a dissatisfying feasibility study looking at the possibility of relocating Amsterdam’s sea cruise terminal to a new location, the city of Amsterdam has confirmed its only option is to stop allowing big ships to use the city as a turnover or day visit port.

“Relocating the sea cruise terminal requires a substantial investment of 85 million euros and entails financial uncertainties. As a municipal executive, we consider this undesirable,” said deputy mayor alderman Hester van Buren. “Moreover, we prioritize sustainability and livability. All of this means that we will be better exploring the option of ending sea cruises in Amsterdam by 2035 in the coming months, so that the new municipal executive can make a decision.”

Amsterdam first announced its intention to eliminate ocean-going cruises in 2024. At the time it began by capping the number of ocean ships – from 190 in 2024 to 100 in 2026. The city council also called for a feasibility study to determine whether moving the cruise terminal to the Coenhaven district of Amsterdam would be possible.

One of the study’s key conclusions is that the relocation to the Coenhaven is feasible within the 2035 timeframe, provided it begins promptly. This would cost approximately 85 million euros. At the same time, the benefits – both of having a new terminal and repurposing the current terminal – “are uncertain.”

According to the deputy mayor’s office, the municipality would lose approximately 46 million euros over a 30-year period in revenue by discontinuing sea cruises. However, in this scenario, the city would benefit from the redevelopment of the current terminal in Veemkade. Combined with the retention of the river cruise facilities and the redevelopment of the location in the Coenhaven that was being considered, this would compensate for the lost revenue.

Furthermore, “Aside from the financial uncertainties of relocation, a complete departure offers clear advantages for sustainability and the environment,” the office of the deputy mayor write in a press release. The office also cited the additional air pollution created by cruise passengers flying into and out of the city and said the ending sea cruises “will reduce the pressure of overtourism on the city.”

The municipality plans to further develop the “precise consequences” of ending sea cruises, including the loss of direct and indirect jobs.

“This will be done carefully and in collaboration with the national government and other involved partners, so that the results can be incorporated by the parties forming the coalition government after the municipal elections and the next municipal executive can make a final decision.”