HARBOURING GOOD INTENTIONS: How the City and Port of Amsterdam are preparing for SAIL 2025

SAIL Amsterdam 2025 is poised to be a grand maritime celebration, marking the 10th edition of the event and coinciding with Amsterdam's 750th anniversary. The festival is expected to welcome over 800 participating ships to the IJ harbour this August, offering an unforgettable celebration of maritime heritage. These vessels will range from majestic tall ships to various historic and modern boats, creating a spectacular display along the IJ River.

The quinquennial (once every five years) event, which is run under the branding United By Waves, will feature the iconic SAIL-In Parade on August 20, where participating ships will sail through the North Sea Canal into Amsterdam, and the SAIL-Out Parade on August 24, marking the conclusion of the festivities. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore many of these ships up close, with public access available from August 21 to 23.

The quinquennial event, which is run under the branding United By Waves, will feature the iconic SAIL-In Parade on August 20, where participating ships will sail through the North Sea Canal into Amsterdam

SAIL Amsterdam 2025, the event’s 10th iteration after first taking to the water in 1975, promises to be a remarkable festival, celebrating the city's rich maritime history and offering a unique experience for all attendees. Over 10,000 craft are expected to attend, with over 2.3m visitors making their way to Amsterdam for the spectacular event.

However, the task of managing vast amounts of people for events, even celebratory ones such as SAIL and sports teams’ victory parades, is made all the more difficult as it often brings out the worst of human behaviour. The riotous scenes across France after Paris St Germain won the European Champions League, and the inexplicable events in Liverpool that marred the day of celebration in the city last month are two very recent examples of what city officials have to deal with.

As the city prepares to host SAIL Amsterdam 2025 a comprehensive traffic management strategy is being implemented to accommodate the influx of visitors and vessels. 
 

As the city prepares to host SAIL Amsterdam 2025 a comprehensive traffic management strategy is being implemented to accommodate the influx of visitors and vessels.

Maritime Traffic Control Measures

The SAIL-In Parade on August 20 and the SAIL-Out Parade on August 24 will feature approximately 50 Tall Ships, accompanied by numerous historic and recreational vessels. To ensure safe and efficient navigation during these events, the Port of Amsterdam has announced specific traffic measures:

•    Temporary Closures: During the parades, there will be temporary blockages of the lock complex in IJmuiden, the North Sea Canal, and the IJ for ships not participating in the parade. 
•    Speed Limits and Conduct Rules: Additional nautical measures, including speed limits and conduct rules for recreational and passenger ships, will be enforced on the IJ between Mercuriushaven and the Oranjesluizen. 
•    Convoy Sailing: To manage the high volume of vessels, convoy sailing will be offered, ensuring orderly movement through congested areas. 

The Harbour Master and the Director of Central Nautical Management (CNB) will oversee maritime operations, making real-time decisions to handle the dynamic nature of the event. This includes adjusting measures based on crowd density and weather conditions.

Enhancements in Ferry Services

Recognizing the increased demand for cross-river transport, Amsterdam is expanding its ferry services across the IJ River: 

•    Increased Frequency and Capacity: The city plans to invest in larger ferries and increase the frequency of services, particularly on routes such as Distelweg–Pontsteiger, which will now operate later into the evening and on weekends. 
•    Addressing Staffing Challenges: To support the expanded services, the public transport operator GVB is actively recruiting additional ferry captains, aiming to hire approximately 40 new staff members. 

Urban Traffic and Pedestrian Initiatives

In anticipation of the event's impact on city traffic, Amsterdam is implementing measures to reduce road congestion.

•    Promoting Alternative Transport Modes: The city is encouraging residents and visitors to use public transport, bicycles, or walk, aiming for a 20% reduction in car usage during the event period. 
•    Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure: Efforts are underway to create car-free zones, broaden pavements, and establish safe pedestrian crossings, aligning with the city's designation of 2025 as the "Year of the Pedestrian." 

Innovative Traffic Solutions

Amsterdam is leveraging technology and innovation to enhance traffic management during SAIL 2025:

•    In Residence Program: Entrepreneurs are invited to pilot innovative solutions during public events, including SAIL 2025, through the city's "In Residence" program. Successful pilots may lead to municipal adoption, fostering advancements in crowd management and mobility. 
•    Autonomous Vessels: Projects such as Roboat are exploring the use of autonomous boats for transport and logistics, potentially reducing road traffic and contributing to sustainable urban mobility. 
•    SAIL Amsterdam App: Visitors can use the official app to track ship locations, view event schedules, and receive real-time updates.
•    Data-Driven Decision Making: Using tools such as the Crowd Safety Manager, which employs AI and real-time data to predict crowd movements and potential risks, allowing for proactive management.

Entrepreneurs are invited to pilot innovative solutions during public events, including SAIL 2025, through the city's "In Residence" program. Successful pilots may lead to municipal adoption

Environmental Consideration

In line with its sustainability goals, Amsterdam is enforcing environmental regulations during SAIL 2025: 

•    Zero-Emission Zones: From 1 April 2025, the city centre became a zero-emission zone for pleasure boats, allowing only electric, hydrogen, or manually powered vessels. 
•    Transitional Arrangements: Boats with valid vignettes purchased before 1 April 2025, will have transitional arrangements, permitting continued access under specific conditions until 2028 or 2030, depending on the vignette type. 
•    Green Ships Parade: Highlighting environmentally friendly vessels and promoting clean energy in maritime transport. 
•    Cultural Programs: Workshops, lectures, and exhibitions will focus on maritime history, sustainable innovations, and cultural exchange, fostering community involvement.

SAIL Amsterdam 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities for the city's traffic management. Through a combination of maritime regulations, enhanced ferry services, urban mobility initiatives, environmental policies, and innovative solutions, As msterdam aims to ensure a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience for all participants and visitors.