New shipping routes on Dutch part of North Sea

From 1 August – the routing system in the Dutch part of the North Sea changes extensively. A number of Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) have been revised and a new TSS has been introduced for the approaches to Amsterdam. New anchoring areas have been established and others have changed, said in the Port of Rotterdam's press release.

Purpose
The North Sea is one of the world’s most intensively used sea areas. A revision of the routing system is needed to ensure the future safety of shipping, to improve access to Amsterdam and Rotterdam and to allocate the marine space efficiently.

Reaction from port of Rotterdam
René de Vries, (State) Harbour Master, Port of Rotterdam Authority: ‘The Port Authority is pleased with the modified shipping routes on the North Sea. They provide space for the further development of shipping. Entering and leaving the port of Rotterdam from the north has been improved and the anchoring areas have been enlarged. This is important because of the increased scale of shipping, for example in container shipping. Furthermore, shipping traffic becomes better manageable. Sailing in the approach area of the port of Rotterdam is nerve-racking for captains and mates. It is one of the busiest sailing areas in the world. Ships come from all directions.’