Starting from April 1, 2025, the central area of Amsterdam will be an emission-free zone for pleasure boats. You are allowed to sail using muscle power, electricity, or hydrogen. There are transitional arrangements for boat owners. We briefly summarize which boats are welcome in the central area and how long the various permits are valid.
The emission-free zone is the central area of Amsterdam, including the Singelgracht. Continuous shipping routes are outside the emission-free zone. You can also sail here if your boat is not emission-free.
Allowed in the emission-free zone
As of April 1, the following boats are still allowed in the emission-free zone:
- Boats with electric, hydrogen, or manual propulsion. Hybrid boats are also allowed in the zone as long as they sail emission-free.
- Boats using petrol or diesel that have a valid permit from before April 1, 2025.
If you have not purchased a valid permit before April 1, you may only enter the central area with your boat if it is emission-free starting April 1.
Passage permit: how long is it valid?
Until when your boat can enter the emission-free zone depends on the type of permit you have and the date on which you purchased the permit.
- Permit from 2023: access until December 31, 2025.
- Permit from 2024: access until December 31, 2026.
- Permit between January 1, 2025, and April 1, 2025: access until December 31, 2027.
- If you have a passage permit from before 2025 and want access to the emission-free zone until December 31, 2027, you must purchase a new permit before April 1, 2025.
Inland Port Fee (BHG) permit
Boats with a BHG permit purchased before April 1, 2025, are allowed in the zone until December 31, 2029. You must renew your permit every year.
Want to know more
For more information, visit amsterdam.nl/uitstootvrijvaren.