The municipality of Amsterdam announced on Thursday a forthcoming ban on polluting pleasure boats on its famous city centre canals, allowing only electric, hydrogen, or rowing boats.
“The city’s polluted air is bad for the health of Amsterdam residents,” the municipality said in a statement, noting that the measure would take effect on the 1st of April.
It said it was working to improve air quality, and emission-free zones would contribute to this effort. However, it believes the ban will help to reduce not only CO2 emissions but also noise pollution.
“This means no more diesel smoke over the canals, but clean and quiet navigation using electricity, hydrogen, or muscle power,” the statement explained, noting, however, that an exception would be made for major navigation routes.
The ban will apply to pleasure boats and non-commercial leisure boats, but not to houseboats. Hybrid boats will be allowed as long as they operate emission-free.
New rules also came into effect this year for tour boats, which must navigate emission-free, except for those with permits expiring in 2026.
Transport vessels have been required to be emission-free in Amsterdam’s inland waters since 1 January, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS.
