From April 1, 2026, mandatory speed limits will be introduced for all shipping in the waters around the Erasmusbrug Bridge in Rotterdam. In a special zone from the Waterbus pier at Willemskade to the radar tower at Boompjes, the maximum speed will be limited to 20 km/h. The new regulations affect one of the busiest and most challenging navigation areas in the Netherlands, where river vessels, water taxis, Waterbuses, small boats, and RHIB speedboats all navigate.
On the approaches to this zone along the Nieuwe Maas River – between Sint Jobshaven and Nassauhaven – a speed limit of 50 km/h will be imposed on all vessels. Navigation within the zone will also be subject to additional requirements: navigation strictly on the starboard side of the fairway and a ban on U-turns. Relevant signs are already being posted along the waterway. The measures are being introduced in response to recommendations from the Dutch Safety Board following a series of collisions, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is amending the regulatory framework.
As Harbor Master René de Vries noted, the new regulations are intended to make vessel traffic more predictable and safe for all participants – from pleasure boats to commercial vessels. The Harbor Master’s Office and the Marine Police will enforce the restrictions using laser speed measuring devices. Additionally, the port authority is developing a digital tool, Ship Traffic Monitor, which will allow for visual tracking of vessel speeds and trajectories in the Erasmusbrug area and promptly respond to any violations.