nuOct 16, 2026, 18:22

Ferry route to Ameland remains possible only through daily dredging under cabinet plan

The Dutch government has canceled plans to improve the ferry route between Holwert and Ameland, forcing the connection to remain dependent on expensive daily dredging. While local officials warn that this decision compromises the island's long-term accessibility, transport authorities state that current ferry services will not be interrupted.

The ferry connection between Holwert and Ameland currently relies on intensive daily dredging to remain operational, costing approximately 3 million euros annually. Following the Dutch government's decision to cancel 29 infrastructure projects to reallocate 18 billion euros, plans to permanently improve or alter the navigation route have been shelved. This shift has drawn criticism from the Ameland municipal government, which fears that delaying a structural solution threatens the long-term accessibility of the island for its residents, students, and employees, particularly regarding access to medical facilities on the mainland.

While local officials express concern over the lack of a long-term strategy, Rijkswaterstaat maintains that the impact on travelers will be limited for the time being. The agency notes that although the Wadden Sea is a dynamic environment, recent stabilization has made it easier to manage the route through regular maintenance. Despite the uncertainty surrounding future infrastructure, ferry operator Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten has confirmed that services will continue as currently scheduled.

Politics Economy

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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