Amsterdam's famous canals to become emission-free zones

Amsterdam is set to implement an emission-free zone for their biggest tourist attraction: their countless canals spreading over the city center. Authorities will only allow electric or hydrogen-powered vessels from April 1 to improve air quality.

Boat owners with existing vignettes issued before April 1 will have a transition period of three to five years, depending on their permit, according to Dutch media outlets. Historic floating heritage vessels present in the canals, which are part of the UNESCO heritage list, will be exempt from the regulation until 2030.

The primary goal of this initiative is to improve air quality. A government representative highlighted that Amsterdam residents lose an average of 11 months of life expectancy and inhale the equivalent of 4.4 cigarettes per day due to air pollution. The measure also aims to cut CO2 emissions and reduce noise levels in the city.

Since January 1, passenger ships and commercial water transport in Amsterdam have already been subject to emission-free requirements, though some operators have received exemptions until March 1 next year.

By Nazrin Sadigova