The decision on the plan to move the terminal further to the western docks will not be made before the local elections scheduled for March 18, writes Dutch News.
Instead of relocation, the city authorities will focus on working out the option of completely canceling sea cruises. The final decision on this matter will be made by the next city administration, the head of the city port, Hester van Buren, confirmed on Thursday.
The U-turn comes after a feasibility study on relocating the terminal from its current location east of the main train station showed high investment costs. The estimated amount of 85 million euros is considered “undesirable” by the city’s executive body.
“We want to prioritize sustainability and quality of life,” Van Buren said.
“This means that in the coming months we will be exploring the option of ending sea cruises in Amsterdam by 2035, so that the new city executive can make a decision.”
Back in 2024, the city council made a decision to reduce the number of cruise ships allowed to dock in Amsterdam from 190 to 100 by 2026. It was also decided then that the cruise ship terminal must be removed from its current location on Veemkade by 2035.
A complete suspension of sea cruises would mean that the city council would lose an estimated €46 million in port and tourist fees over a 30-year period.
(Vijesti.ba)
