Passenger Terminal Amsterdam ends turbulent year on a positive note

As a result of the city tax, several cruise lines did stop berthing in Amsterdam this year and PTA will finish on 116 calls, down from 181 in 2018 and a decline in passengers to 292,000 from 425,000 a year earlier.

Dick de Graaff, director PTA said he expects more or less the same number of calls and passengers in 2020 and 2021.

12 maiden calls next year

Next year, PTA is expecting 12 maiden calls with Celebrity Apex being the first one in April and Saga’s Spirit of Adventure the last one in December.

De Graaff said a tour of the terminal and a visit on board one of the transiting cruise ships is planned with city council members, ‘to get them acquainted with the newest onboard technology for recycle waste and reducing emissions.’

Sustainable solutions

‘Despite not being record numbers, PTA continues to strive to be greener and more sustainable. As of 2020, a taxi lane for example, will be reserved exclusively for electric taxis. Electricity for the terminal currently comes from wind power and the building has its own cooling and heating system.

PTA is seeking cooperation with cruise lines, local authorities and other port cities, ‘to find solutions for challenges on tourism and emissions,’ confirmed de Graaff.

‘By working together, we can create a bright future for the industry, and also for port cities welcoming cruise ships and their inhabitants.’