Erasmusbrug zone
From 1 April 2026, a speed limit will apply to all vessels in the area around the Erasmusbrug in Rotterdam. This should make one of the busiest waterways on the Nieuwe Maas safer for all users.
What are the rules in the Erasmusbrug zone?
General rules
These rules apply to all navigation, unless a specific exception applies.
- The speed limit within the zone is 20 km/h
- A speed limit of 50 km/h applies in the approach areas to the zone
- You must keep to the starboard side of the waterway
- It is forbidden to turn within the zone
Why are these rules being introduced?
The new measures have been introduced on the advice of the Dutch Safety Board. The aim is to make the waterway clearer, so that all road users have more time to react. By paying extra attention to the risks on the water, safety is improved for everyone navigating through the Erasmusbrug zone.
The area is complex due to the combination of recreational, passenger and commercial vessels, which cross paths at different speeds. Reducing speed differences by imposing a speed limit gives users of the waterway a clearer view and allows them more time to react. Additionally, there are further rules, such as an obligation to keep to the starboard side of the waterway and a ban on turning around. The zone is marked by signs along the waterway.
Enforcement
Enforcement of the new navigation rules in the Erasmusbrug zone is the responsibility of the Harbour Master of Rotterdam and the Seaport Police. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is installing signs to clearly demarcate the new zone and approach areas.
Information leaflets
To assist the various users of the area, an information leaflet is available for each target group. This document sets out the general rules and any applicable exceptions.
- Recreational boating
- Inland shipping
- Tall ships and maritime shipping
- River cruises
- Spido
- Water taxi
- Water bus
- Passenger vessels
- Ocean-going cruises
Frequently asked questions
When does the speed limit come into force?
From 1 April 2026, a 20 km/h speed limit will apply in the immediate vicinity of the Erasmusbrug in Rotterdam, and a 50 km/h speed limit in the surrounding areas.
Why is a speed limit being introduced?
The Erasmusbrug zone is being introduced following a report by the Dutch Safety Board on recent accidents. The aim of the speed limit is to make this busy and complex stretch of the Nieuwe Maas safer for shipping.
Does the speed limit apply to everyone?
Yes, the speed limit in the designated zones applies to all vessels. The Harbour Master of Rotterdam will therefore be enforcing this.
Is the maximum speed relative to the water?
Yes, the maximum speed is relative to the water. This is taken into account when measuring speed.
Am I allowed to turn around in the Erasmusbrug zone to moor alongside another vessel?
A vessel that moors alongside another vessel to provide services, such as water, bunkering or waste collection, must comply with the general navigation rules. The vessel may only turn during the actual mooring process. This allows the skipper to decide for themselves whether to moor alongside to starboard or port.
I’m sailing out of Leuvehaven in my historic ship and want to head to Dordrecht via the Noord. How should I sail?
From Leuvehaven, you can cross straight over to the (new) starboard side to navigate upstream. See the image showing the zone on this page.
I’m coming out of Leuvehaven with the mast up; how should I proceed?
Cross directly to Koningshaven; please remember to report this to the Maasbruggen VTS sector.
I’m coming from Krimpen aan de Lek in my speedboat and want to go to Parkhaven – what’s the speed limit there?
A maximum speed of 50 km/h from Nassauhaven, then 20 km/h from the signposted area, and a maximum speed of 50 km/h again until Parkhaven; see the map showing the zone on this page.
I’m being overtaken aggressively in the Erasmus Bridge zone – is that allowed?
The speed limit in the Erasmusbrug zone is 20 km/h; if you are travelling relatively slowly yourself, 20 km/h may still seem fast.
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