Maritime Traffic Regulations for SAIL 2025

Visiting SAIL from the water

Even during SAIL, recreational vessels are not permitted to enter the harbor basins in the Western Port Area. Passenger vessels may only access the basins if they have an exemption, which can be requested from the Port Office. This exemption is only granted if the vessel has been accredited by the SAIL organization. Checks and enforcement will take place.

Does your company own a quay in the port and want to use it to visit SAIL with a passenger vessel? You’ll also need both an exemption and SAIL accreditation for this.

Measures and closures for shipping during SAIL

The port remains open during SAIL. However, due to the scale of the event, temporary traffic measures and closures are necessary. These measures are in place to ensure smooth and safe vessel traffic and to guarantee safety on the water for all users.

For example, closures will occur during the SAIL In, SAIL Out, and the evening shows. We aim to keep these closures to a minimum. A safety zone will also be established, where a mandatory sailing direction and maximum speed apply.

Passing through the IJ during SAIL

From 07:00 on 20 August until 20:00 on 24 August, a safety zone will be in place on the IJ between Stenen Hoofd and the tip of the Surinamekade. The maximum speed in this zone is 6 km/h.

• Special transports and push convoys with more than one barge may only pass through this zone between 01:00 and 09:00.
• Vessels larger than 85 x 11.45 meters may only transit this zone after coordination with the traffic service.
• During high traffic volumes, passage through the zone will be organized via convoy navigation.
• Anchoring, lying still, or turning within this zone is not permitted.

Closure during SAIL In

The SAIL In takes place on 20 August, with a closure of the IJ and North Sea Canal from 08:00 to 18:00. Sailing along with the parade (excluding recreational vessels) is only permitted for ships with a maximum size of 85 x 11.45 meters and with accreditation from the SAIL organization. All other vessel traffic is prohibited during this closure.

If you can responsibly reach your destination in the Western Port Area ahead of the parade, this may be allowed with permission from the traffic service. The same applies if you want to depart toward IJmuiden after the parade has passed. If you want to depart after 18:00 towards the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, or vice versa toward the Western Port Area, you must coordinate with the traffic service.

Closure during evening shows

On the SAIL event days (20, 21, 22, and 23 August), the IJ will be closed from 21:00 to 00:00 for all vessels larger than 85 x 11.45 meters due to evening shows. These shows attract hundreds of passenger ships and recreational boats, making passage across the IJ impossible during that time. After 00:00, the closure is lifted, and you may cross the IJ after coordinating with the traffic service.

Closure during SAIL Out

The SAIL Out takes place on 24 August, with a closure of the IJ and North Sea Canal from 13:00 to 19:00. Sailing along with the parade (excluding recreational vessels) is only allowed for ships with a maximum size of 85 x 11.45 meters and with accreditation from SAIL. All other vessel traffic is restricted during this time.

If you want to reach your destination in the Western Port Area during the closure before the parade arrives, you’ll need permission from the traffic service. The same applies if the parade has passed and you want to depart toward the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.

More information about SAIL and all traffic measures can be found on our SAIL-page.