The Dutch government is making emergency loans available to prevent ferry services to and from the Wadden Islands from having to stop due to financial problems. This is reported by State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven (Infrastructure).

As a result of the government’s corona measures and the local authorities’ call to tourists to stay away, the number of passengers has fallen sharply. It is precisely in the usually busy spring that operators have to make up for the losses they suffer during the quiet winter months.

The Terschellinger Stoomboot Maatschappij (TSM), better known as Rederij Doeksen, and Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten (WPD), which operates on Ameland and Schiermonnikoog, have continued to operate in consultation with the Ministry, albeit with an adjusted timetable. In this way, the islands remain accessible for necessary passenger and freight transport.

However, both companies are suffering substantial operating losses and are at risk of liquidity problems as a result. Therefore, TSM will receive a loan of three million euros and WPD one of one million euros. Both loans will be repaid later this year.

Source: ANP

Picture: Wadden ferry Vlieland operated by Rederij Doeksen (picture by Wikididacts).