Den Oever harbour goes green and dark: new steps to cut emissions and light pollution
Residents and businesses in Den Oever can expect a greener, darker harbour as Hollands Kroon rolls out sustainability measures and smarter lighting. The changes aim to protect the Wadden Sea’s unique ecosystem while keeping the harbour safe and operational.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Den Oever harbour, Wieringen (Noord-Holland) |
| Sustainability Measures | Catalytic converters on shrimp fleet, passive fishing methods, shore power expansion |
| Light Pollution Efforts | LED lighting, dimmers, Green Light concept, Darkness Experience Spot |
| Next Steps | Pilots in Wieringen and Oostpolder in 2026, new Public Lighting Policy Plan |
| Documentary | Filming in Wadden harbours (NL, DE, DK), broadcast at May symposium |
| Investment Challenge | Power cable under Afsluitdijk for shore power at Oostkade |
The municipality of Hollands Kroon is responsible for local infrastructure and environmental policy, including harbour management and sustainability initiatives. It collaborates with businesses and nature organisations to balance economic activity with ecological preservation in the Wadden area.
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Read the full translated article below
Hollands Kroon working on further sustainability and darkness in Den Oever harbour
Hollands Kroon is working on further sustainability and reducing light pollution in the harbour of Den Oever. We are exploring how the harbour can become greener and darker without compromising safety or daily operations.
Documentary
This week, documentary makers followed this process. They captured how Alderman Robert Leever, during a tour of the harbour, explained the approach within the Green Shipping programme and the Dark Sky ambition (see below for additional explanation).
Sustainability in the harbour
During the recordings, the steps already being taken in Den Oever were discussed. In the shrimp fleet, catalytic converters are being used to significantly reduce emissions, and through the Fisheries Development Plan, we are encouraging the development of passive fishing methods. The status of shore power was also addressed. Shore power is available throughout nearly the entire harbour, except at the Oostkade. We are investigating whether it can also be made available there. A major challenge is that a power cable would need to run under the Afsluitdijk, which requires a substantial investment.
Additional pressure
Sustainability is necessary, and the fishing industry also wants to contribute. However, it should not be the case that the burden falls primarily on fishermen while other parties at sea are hardly held accountable. Fishing is part of our identity and holds economic significance in the region. If this sector keeps receiving new obligations while others are spared, that is not acceptable. We must ensure fair, feasible rules and provide perspective.
Smarter lighting management
In addition to Green Shipping, the possibilities for further reducing light pollution were explored. Hollands Kroon has been a frontrunner in nature-friendly lighting for years: nearly all public lighting has been replaced with LED, many poles are equipped with dimmers, and the Green Light concept was previously implemented in the Waddenhaven. The Darkness Experience Spot on Wieringen is another visible result of this approach.
During the tour, we examined, together with experts, where lighting remains necessary for safety and operations, and where it can be used more intelligently, more precisely, or less. The insights will be used to determine follow-up steps for both businesses and the municipality.
Next steps
The findings will be further developed in the coming period. In 2026, pilots will start in Wieringen and the Oostpolder to further reduce light emissions. The results will be incorporated into the new Public Lighting Policy Plan. With this approach, we are working towards a harbour that remains safe, future-proof, and as dark as possible—suited to the unique qualities of the Wadden area.
The documentary is intended to be broadcast during a symposium on the Wadden Sea, to be held in Esbjerg, Denmark, in May of this year. For this film, recordings will be made in various Wadden harbours in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark.
What is Dark Sky?
Dark Sky is a movement dedicated to preserving natural darkness. In the Wadden area, this means that municipalities, nature organisations, and businesses collaborate to reduce light pollution. By using lighting more intelligently, precisely, and efficiently, the night landscape remains dark, animals and ecosystems are less disturbed, and the unique experience of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site is preserved.
What is Green Shipping?
Green Shipping focuses on making shipping and harbours more sustainable. In Den Oever, this includes innovations such as catalytic converters on fishing vessels, the development of passive fishing methods, and the use of shore power to reduce emissions. The municipality plays a facilitating role: the sector drives technical innovations, while Hollands Kroon contributes by thinking along, connecting parties, and identifying obstacles.