Do you have a boat in Amsterdam? Pay attention. Starting April 1, 2025, the city center will become an emission-free zone for pleasure boats. This means no more diesel fumes above the canals, but quiet and clean sailing on electricity, hydrogen, or muscle power.
An exception applies to the main navigable routes.
Adjusted Decision by Public Input
You could previously respond to the plans for an emission-free zone in the city center. We received 1,033 responses and have made a few adjustments:
- The deadline for the passage vignette has been moved from October 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025. This extends the transition period for passage vignette holders by one year, until January 1, 2028.
- A 35 percent environmental discount will apply to the inner harbor fee vignette from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
What is the emission-free zone?
The emission-free zone applies to pleasure boats. These are vessels used for non-commercial recreation (so no floating houseboats). From April 1, 2025, only vessels with electric, hydrogen, or manual propulsion may enter the zone. Hybrid boats are welcome as long as they sail emission-free.
The entire city center of Amsterdam falls under the emission-free zone. This means the area within and including the Singelgracht.
Why an emission-free zone?
The dirty air in the city is unhealthy for Amsterdammers. Therefore, we are working on improving air quality. Emission-free zones contribute to this. We also reduce CO₂ emissions and noise pollution in the city by switching to emission-free transport.
Transition Regulations
If you already have a vignette before April 1, 2025, you may continue for a while. There is a transition regulation for existing pleasure boats that have purchased a vignette before the effective date of the emission-free zone:
- Inner harbor fee vignette (BHG): Vessels with a valid BHG vignette purchased before April 1, 2025, may continue to sail until January 1, 2030, provided that the inner harbor fee is paid annually.
- Passage vignette: For vessels with a passage vignette purchased before April 1, 2025, the transition regulation applies until at least January 1, 2028. The transition regulation is equal to the duration of the vignette, so for example until December 31, 2027, for a vignette purchased on March 1, 2025.
No vignette yet
If you do not yet have a vignette, make sure to purchase one before April 1. Only then will you be eligible for the transition regulations. This also applies to vessels that change owners. The new owner must purchase a new vignette before April 1.
Floating Heritage
Boats registered in the FVEN register may continue to sail until January 1, 2030. An FVEN pass is sufficient. You do not need to apply for a separate exemption.
Support for Marinas
There is also help for marinas. We offer a free E-harbor analysis to gain insight into current and future shore power needs, and the possibilities to modernize charging facilities for electric vessels within the existing energy contract.
Making an Objection
The decision was established on February 4, 2025. If you disagree with this decision, you can make an objection as a stakeholder within 6 weeks of the announcement.
Want to know more?
If you want to know more about the emission-free zone, the final decision, or how to make an objection, check Public input on the introduction of the emission-free zone for pleasure boats from January 1, 2025.