On Monday, November 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, the new Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) area Off Texel in the North Sea will officially become active. This introduces active traffic management on the northern and southern shipping routes above the Wadden Islands. An important step to improve maritime safety and better protect the vulnerable Wadden area.
Recommendations from the Dutch Safety Board
The introduction of the new VTS area is a direct result of the recommendations from the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) following the MSC Zoe container disaster in early 2019. During that incident, 342 containers fell into the sea, some of which washed ashore on the Wadden Islands. The OVV stated that active traffic management is necessary to reduce risks during severe weather conditions, especially when waves hit the shipping route perpendicularly. Political pressure also called for active traffic management on these busy shipping routes.
Active Traffic Management
The new VTS area enables traffic controllers to actively advise ships 24/7 during unfavorable weather conditions to take the northern rather than the southern route – which is closer to the vulnerable Wadden area. The southern route lies 20 to 30 km offshore but has proven to be more risky for cargo loss under certain wave conditions.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management decided in June 2022 to implement the new Off Texel VTS area. The execution is managed by the Harbour Master of Den Helder. The development of this new VTS area involved collaboration with the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Every Ship Must Report
Establishing a new VTS area is a rare decision; it has only happened once before in recent years. Legislation has been updated, personnel trained, and equipment installed to communicate with ships. From November 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, every ship entering the Off Texel VTS area must report via VHF channel 63.
What is a VTS Area?
A VTS area is a geographically defined water zone where ships receive traffic management from a central control, similar to air traffic control. Its goal is to increase the safety and efficiency of shipping by providing information and coordinating traffic flows in busy areas such as ports, canals, and access routes. For example, there is a VTS area near the port of Rotterdam, and the Wadden Sea is also a VTS area.
