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. In the Dutch Golden Age the port was one of the main harbours of the Dutch East India Company. 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.
Geography
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 of waterways and of land area, including port estates, quays, roads, railway tracks, ditches and green space. The port comprises several harbour areas, which are part of the boroughs of Westpoort, Westerpark, Centrum, and Zeeburg. From west to east the areas are:
In terms of cargo throughput, the port of Amsterdam is the second largest port of the Netherlands after the port of Rotterdam. 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. 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. In 2008, the port itself had 361 employees, but the number of indirect employees is circa 55,000. On 7 July 2009, Mrs. Dertje Meijer was appointed as the director of the port by the government of Amsterdam.
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. 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.
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.
International cooperation
The port of Amsterdam has a connection with the ports of the following cities:
