News
Amsterdam ferry news
Updates on skippers, timetables, electrification, and infrastructure — with sources so you can verify what is happening.
- Investment
Electric ferry tender: GVB aims to grow to fifteen IJ ferries
After the summer of 2026 GVB starts two tenders for electric ferries on the IJ, with an option to grow the fleet to fifteen electric ferries on the busy F3 and F2 lines.
Read more → - Operations
Skipper shortage threatens Amsterdam ferry service in summer 2026
GVB reported about 33 unfilled skipper vacancies on Amsterdam IJ ferries in July 2026. With demand from Amsterdam Noord still growing and earlier weekend cuts, the operator warns of ongoing cancellations.
Read more → - Operations
Summer 2026 timetable: fewer sailings on Amsterdam IJ ferries
Amsterdam ferries run less frequently in summer 2026 than in the winter timetable. Peak ferry F22 pauses from 29 June to 16 August 2026 — expect longer intervals on core IJ routes.
Read more → - Safety
Microcar ban on Amsterdam ferries enforced with €140 fine
Since March 2026 Amsterdam has been enforcing the microcar ban on GVB ferries. More than 4,600 owners were warned; violations can draw a €140 fine due to crowding and deck safety.
Read more → - Investment
New 10-year GVB ferry contract 2026–2036 for Amsterdam ferries
Amsterdam awarded GVB a ferry contract through 2036, requiring at least 99% reliability of scheduled sailing hours plus slightly expanded service windows for Amsterdam ferries.
Read more → - Investment
Four new electric GVB ferries for cleaner IJ routes
In January 2026 GVB ordered four new electric ferries. The first electric IJ ferry on the IJplein route is expected around 2027, while North Sea Canal ferries already run emission-free.
Read more → - Infrastructure
Oostbrug delayed again — not before 2034, ferries stay the crossing
The Oostbrug cycling and pedestrian bridge across the IJ (Sprong over het IJ) has slipped again. Opening is no longer expected before 2034 amid rising costs and new participation rounds. Until then, GVB ferries remain the primary crossing between the centre and Amsterdam-Noord.
Read more → - Works
NDSM ferry stop renovation limited F7 into early 2026
From 3 November 2025 to 27 February 2026 the NDSM ferry stop was renovated. Line F7 (Pontsteiger–NDSM) ran twice an hour temporarily; regular service resumed on 2 March 2026.
Read more → - Works
SAIL 2025: ferry suspensions at peak times and a jammed metro to Noord
During SAIL Amsterdam 2025 (20–24 August) Amsterdam ferries were suspended or heavily limited at peak times. Noord residents shifted en masse to the metro, which then jammed — a recurring pinch point at major IJ events.
Read more → - Safety
Rush-hour crowding remains a sore point on Amsterdam ferries
A late-2024 AT5 panel found Amsterdam ferries too crowded at peak times for about 70% of respondents. Fatbike and cargo-bike safety fears kept surfacing in the deck-space debate.
Read more →