Boat car hybrids take last ride through Amsterdam before ban

These amphibious vehicles travel through the canals of Amsterdam – but will soon be banned.

From 2025 onwards, access to the waterways will be restricted to emission-free vessels.

That rules out these car-boat hybrids, due to the weight of electric batteries.

So from next year, this quirky tradition will be no more.

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The end of a quirky Amsterdam tradition?

The final parade of the aqua cars took place earlier this month, beginning in Amsterdam before moving to Monnickendam and Utrecht.

But new laws coming into effect in Amsterdam guarantee that this tradition will no longer be allowed in the capital.

Amphibious vehicles cruised Amsterdam's canals for the last time due to new environmental regulations. About 100 car owers joined this unique five-day tour, celebrating one final ride through the iconic waterways. pic.twitter.com/t9SCjZzNKJ

— AA$MAco (@as_ma_co) August 26, 2024

Roy Bolks, who organises the annual parade, said: “This year is the last time because Amsterdam will (introduce) some new rules.”

On their website, Amsterdam council laid out the policy as such: “From 1 January 2025, an emission-free zone for pleasure craft applies in Amsterdam.

“Only emission-free pleasure boats will be allowed in the zone in the city center.

“There will be transitional arrangements and an exception for through waterways.”

Hybrid boats that have both an electric motor and fuel engine will be allowed, as long as the former is in use.

Admittedly, these hybrid boats aren’t quite like this Ford Mustang that can take to water, but they’re still pretty cool.

The backlash to the new rules

Although the law is being touted as a way of reducing carbon emissions, some have objections to its implementation.

The water sports association HISWA-RECRON have spoken up about their concerns.

Gerdina Krijger, representing the group, said: “The municipality said years ago that we have to sail emission-free in 2025, but a plan has never been made for that. People need more time. That also applies to ports.”

The organization have claimed that the law would leave 4,800 boat owners unable to use the canals.

Reddit users in the city had split opinions, with one person writing: “It’s unfortunate, but Amsterdam air is dreadful so it’s necessary.”

On the flipside, a Redditor called the change ‘politically motivated’ and noted: “It seems like there was no well-thought out plan to achieve it.”

Even if this move loses a few visitors, there’ll still be plenty for people to look at in Amsterdam – not least this crane hotel.