| Port of Amsterdam | |
|---|---|
| Logo with three saltires from the coat of arms of Amsterdam | |
| Location | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Location | Amsterdam |
| Details | |
| Opened | 13th century |
| Size of harbor | 600 ha (1,500 acres) |
| Land area | 1,900 ha (4,700 acres) |
| Employees | 361 (2008) |
| Director | Dertje Meijer |
| Statistics | |
| Vessel arrivals | 6,029 sea ships (2008) |
| Annual cargo tonnage | 75.8 million tons (2008) |
| Annual container volume | 435,129 TEU (2008) |
| Passenger traffic | 226,000 by sea (2008) 170,000 by river (2008) |
| Annual revenue | €125.3 million (2008) |
| Net income | €45.0 million (2008) |
| Website | www.amsterdamports.nl |
The Port of Amsterdam (Dutch: Haven van Amsterdam) is a seaport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The port is located on the bank of a bay named 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 2008, the Port of Amsterdam had a cargo throughput of 75.8 million tons, most of which is was bulk cargo.
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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.[1]
In the Dutch Golden Age the port was one of the main harbours of the Dutch East India Company.[1]
The North Holland Canal, that connects Amsterdam to Den Helder was dug between 1819 and 1824. The North Sea Canal, that connects Amsterdam to IJmuiden, was dug between 1865 and 1876.[1]
The Port of Amsterdam is located on the banks of the North Sea Canal and the IJ. The port is connected to the North Sea through the North Sea Canal, to Den Helder through the North Holland Canal, to the Markermeer through the IJ and the IJmeer, and to the Rhine through the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.
In total, the port comprises 600 ha (1,500 acres) of waterways and 1,900 ha (4,700 acres) of land area, including port estates, quays, roads, railway tracks, ditches, and green space.[2]
The port comprises several harbour areas, which are part of the boroughs (Dutch: stadsdelen) Westpoort, Westerpark, Centrum, and Zeeburg. From west to east the areas are:[3]
In terms of cargo throughput, the Port of Amsterdam is the second largest port of the Netherlands, after Port of Rotterdam.[4]
In 2008, 6,029 sea vessels visited the Port of Amsterdam with a cargo throughput of 75.8 million tons, most of which is 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 increase compared to 2007.[2]
In 2008, 117 sea cruise ships called at the port with a total of 226,000 passengers. Also 998 river cruise ships with 170,000 passengers visited Amsterdam's port. The number of sea cruises and their passengers increased significantly with 50% compared to 2007, whereas the river cruise traffic declined slightly.[2]
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.[2]
In 2008, the port itself had 361 employees, but the number of indirect employees is circa 55,000.[2] On 7 July 2009, Mrs. Dertje Meijer was appointed as the director of the port by the government of Amsterdam.[5]
The Port of Amsterdam has a connection with the ports of the following cities:[6]
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