Pilot: extension of mooring duration IJhaven
From now on, inland navigation vessels will be able to extend their mooring duration in the IJhaven even without special circumstances. The extra mooring time will be 3 weeks on top of the standard 7 days, 4 weeks in total.
Request from inland shipping sector
The pilot project was initiated at the request of the inland shipping sector. Arjan de Kremer, advisor at Port of Amsterdam: "It was always possible to stay longer than 7 days in special cases, such as illness or family circumstances. But it turned out that inland navigation also likes to moor for longer in other cases. For example, during a holiday period or when an inland vessel does not need to proceed immediately to the next destination. This arrangement makes that possible.
Evaluation after one year
The IJhaven is a suitable place for this trial. "In the IJhaven it is quieter, because there are fewer waiting vessels and because these quays are at a greater distance from the terminals," explains Arjan. Initially, the pilot will last one year, until January 2022. "Early next year, we will evaluate the longer mooring duration with both the inland shipping industry and local residents. If they both experience it positively, the scheme may become structural."
Conditions for berth permit
There are, however, a number of conditions for the extension of the berth duration. For example, you must have an actively sailing barge that is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, the regulation is intended for cargo ships, not for passenger ships. To make use of the longer berthing period, you must apply for a berthing permit. This can be done very easily via the QR code on a board on the quay. If you fulfil all the conditions and complete the application form, the permit will be sent to you automatically.