The port of Amsterdam (Dutch: Haven van Amsterdam) is an inlandseaport in Amsterdam in North Holland, Netherlands. It is the 4th busiest port in Europe by total cargo tonnage.[citation needed] The port is located on the bank of a former bay named the IJ and the North Sea Canal, with which it is connected to the North Sea. The port was first used in the 13th century and was one of the main ports of the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Today, the port of Amsterdam is the second largest port in the Netherlands, the largest being the Port of Rotterdam. In 2014, the port of Amsterdam had a cargo throughput of 97.4 million tons, most of which was bulk cargo.[4]
History
The first port activities in Amsterdam date back to the 13th century. The port was first mentioned in the year 1342, when the city of Amsterdam received city rights.[6]
In total, the port comprises 620 ha (1,500 acres) of waterways and 1,995 ha (4,930 acres) of land area, including port estates, quays, roads, railway tracks, ditches and green space.[3]
Eastern Harbour Area (Dutch: Oostelijk Havengebied)
Business operations
In terms of cargo throughput, the port of Amsterdam is the second largest port of the Netherlands after the port of Rotterdam.[8]
In 2008, 6,029 sea vessels visited the port of Amsterdam, with a cargo throughput of 75.8 million tons, most of which was bulk cargo. That same year, the total container volume was 435,129 TEU. Both the number of vessels and the bulk cargo and container throughput increased compared to 2007.[9]
In 2008, the total revenue was € 125.3 million and the net income€ 45.0 million. This is a minor decrease compared to the revenue and income in 2007.[9]
In 2008, the port itself had 361 employees, but the number of indirect employees is circa 55,000.[9] On 7 July 2009, Mrs. Dertje Meijer was appointed as the director of the port by the government of Amsterdam.[10]
Cruise port
The Port of Amsterdam is the 3rd biggest cruise port in Europe with 140 sea cruise ships and 1500 river cruise ships. Almost 700,000 cruise passengers per year visit Amsterdam. There are two cruise terminals: the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam in the city center, and one after the locks in IJmuiden.
In 2015 Amsterdam won the prize for International Cruise Port of the Year.[citation needed]
Amsterdam is homeport for the Koningsdam, the new ship from Holland America Line. In September 2015, the MSC Splendida visited Amsterdam; at 333.33 meters long and 38 meters wide, it was the biggest cruise ship ever in Amsterdam.[citation needed]
Sustainability
The Port of Amsterdam aims to be at the top of Europe's sustainable ports by 2030. The Port divides their sustainability vision into five themes: Energy transition in a circular economy, Environment and habitat, Clean and safe shipping, Work and credentials, and responsible trade chains.[11]
International cooperation
The port of Amsterdam has a connection with the ports of the following cities:[12]