Amsterdam Introduces Emission-Free Zone for Boats in City Canals

Starting April, only electric, hydrogen-powered, and non-motorized boats will be allowed in the central canal zone, with fines for non-compliance beginning this summer.

The new environmental zone aims to reduce CO2 emissions, noise pollution, and improve air quality in Amsterdam's city center.
Boats with internal combustion engines will have limited exceptions until 2030, including historical museum vessels and those with pre-approved permits.
Passenger and transport ships in the central canals have already been required to operate emission-free since January 2025.
Amsterdam plans to expand charging infrastructure for electric boats, increasing from 22 to 2,500 charging stations by 2030, with 300 new stations in the next two years.
The initiative responds to concerns about the city's air quality, which is said to shorten residents' lives by 11 months on average.