As of 1 April 2026, all shipping traffic in the Erasmusbrug area of Rotterdam will be subject to speed limits. Within this Erasmusbrug zone, stretching from the Waterbus jetty at Willemskade to the radar tower at Boompjes, the maximum speed limit will be 20 kilometres per hour.
Around the Erasmusbrug, inland vessels, water taxis, the Waterbus, sloops, and fast rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) all sail alongside each other, often at varying speeds and with differing sailing patterns. By introducing lower speeds, skippers have more time to react. These and other measures are intended to ensure greater overview and safety in one of the busiest and most complex stretches of waterway in the Netherlands.
A 50-kilometre per hour speed limit will apply to all traffic on the Nieuwe Maas in the approach areas to the Erasmusbrug zone, between Sint Jobshaven and Nassauhaven. There are signs along the waterway to indicate the zones. In addition to the Erasmusbrug zone speed limits, skippers are also required to keep to the starboard side of the waterway and turning is prohibited.
Also read: Fewer collisions in Port of Rotterdam, focus on speed limits
Measures follow the recommendation of the Dutch Safety Board
Despite the implementation date of 1 April, the measures are by no means a joke. They are a response to the recommendations of the Dutch Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid) and a nautical risk analysis, following collisions in recent years. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is amending legislation for this purpose. Harbour Master René de Vries will impose a uniform speed limit for all shipping traffic in the zones through a traffic order.
‘With these sailing rules, we are bringing more calm and clarity to a busy sailing area,’ says De Vries. ‘Lower speeds allow skippers to better assess the situation on the water. The Nieuwe Maas must be safe for everyone, from recreational to commercial shipping. By making sailing traffic more predictable, we can significantly reduce the risk of incidents.’
Also read: DSB after water taxi incident: Nieuwe Maas shipping needs more direction
Enforcement on the Nieuwe Maas
The Harbour Master and the Seaport Police will be responsible for enforcing these new speed limits. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is installing signs to clearly demarcate the new zone and the approach areas.
Special investigative officers of the Harbour Master’s division will use laser equipment to monitor speeds. The speed limit is relative to the flow velocity of the Nieuwe Maas. The Harbour Master will take this into consideration in the enforcement.
Also read: Rotterdam Harbour Master announces Nieuwe Maas speed limit
Track tool
The Port of Rotterdam Authority is also developing a track tool, the Ship Traffic Monitor, for the area around the Erasmusbrug. This will allow the vessel speeds and sailing patterns to be visually mapped, making it easier to see whether vessels keep to the starboard side of the waterway and adhere to the speed limit. Based on these insights, the harbour master can engage in dialogue with waterway users.
Picture: The speed limit is intended to improve situational awareness in the busy area around the Erasmus Bridge (photo by the Port of Rotterdam Authority).
