Amsterdam council members are exploring a proposal to ban ocean-going cruise ships from the city by 2035 to address overcrowding and air pollution. A study found relocating the cruise terminal would cost nearly $100 million, while the city projects about $54 million in lost revenue over 30 years if sea cruises end. A 2023 motion already capped sea arrivals at 100 per year; river cruises near the Veemkade would remain allowed. The final decision will be made by the next municipal coalition after mid-March elections.
Amsterdam Proposes Citywide Ban on Ocean Cruises by 2035 to Curb Overtourism and Pollution
Jasper Juinen/Bloomberg via GettyA cruise ship docks in Amsterdam
Amsterdam city leaders are advancing a plan to phase out large ocean-going cruise ships from the city by 2035, citing concerns about air pollution, overcrowding and interference with planned infrastructure projects.
Why Officials Are Pushing the Measure
Deputy Mayor and alderman Hester Van Buren said the move is intended to "prioritise sustainability and liveability." A recent feasibility study found that relocating the cruise terminal further west would require nearly $100 million in investment, an amount the city believes would be difficult to recoup.
"We will be exploring the option of ending sea cruises in Amsterdam by 2035," Van Buren told Dutch News, adding that the new municipal executive will make the final decision.
Financial and Environmental Trade-Offs
Van Buren estimated the ban could reduce city revenue by roughly $54 million over the next 30 years, but officials say that loss could be offset by redeveloping the industrial Veemkade area and repurposing moorings at the Coenhaven port.
GettyA tourist captures a photo in Amsterdam
Environmental concerns are central to the proposal. Officials point to the cruise ships' carbon dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen emissions as significant contributors to local air pollution. They also say the vessels would obstruct plans for a bridge spanning the IJ River.
Political Context and Next Steps
The effort to curb ocean cruise traffic began in 2023, when the D66 party proposed limits on ship arrivals and relocation of the terminal. That motion reduced permitted sea vessel calls from 190 to no more than 100 annually.
Local party leader Rob Hofland praised the council's direction, calling cruise ships "floating apartment blocks" that bring pollution, mass tourism and logistical complications. He said relocation within the city proved impractical, leaving removal from Amsterdam as the primary option.
GettyAn ocean cruise ship
Any formal ban is not yet final. The proposal will be handed to the next municipal government coalition, which takes office after local elections scheduled for mid-March, and that incoming executive will decide whether to adopt the measure.
What Would Remain
Under the current rules, river cruises would still be permitted to operate near the Veemkade. The proposed ban targets ocean-going vessels specifically.
Key facts: Proposed ban target year: 2035; Estimated relocation cost: ~ $100 million; Estimated 30-year revenue loss: ~ $54 million; Current cap on sea arrivals: 100 per year (reduced from 190 in 2023).
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