Port Dues

Port dues (havengeld) is a municipal levy imposed on ships entering a municipal port. This levy is intended to cover the costs of port management, maintenance of quays and port infrastructure. Port dues are calculated based on the transshipment (cargo) and/or mooring fees (use of berths).

Specific port management regulations (havenbeheersverordening) and port dues regulations apply to the industrial port. Ships entering the port must register with the bridge operator or harbour master and report the transshipment. Based on this report and the bill of lading (laadbrief), the port dues are calculated and invoiced.

Requirements

  • Registration: Ships must register with the bridge operator or harbour master, for example via marine radio (marifoon), and report the transshipment.
  • Bill of lading: The bill of lading (laadbrief) must be shared (for example by email) to avoid discussion about the transshipment. Without a bill of lading, the loading capacity is used as a basis.
  • Contact details: On first visit, company contact details must be provided (company name, address, email address) for invoicing.
  • Time limit: A time limit of 48 hours applies for loading or unloading. Mooring at a quay outside this period may be charged as mooring fees.

Procedure

  • Register: Register with the bridge operator (for example at Hooidambrug) or harbour master and report the transshipment.
  • Submit bill of lading: Send the bill of lading by email to the specified address (for example [email protected]).
  • Loading/unloading: Carry out the transshipment within the set time limit of 48 hours.
  • Invoicing: You will receive an invoice by email based on the reported transshipment and bill of lading.
  • Payment: Pay the port dues according to the payment period on the invoice. For frequent users, monthly payment is possible.

Special Provisions

  • Company quays: No mooring fees are due for mooring at company quays (quays of a specific company) if the company grants permission.
  • Public quays: Mooring fees are due for mooring at public quays.
  • Passenger ships: For cruise ships departing and returning with the same passengers, port dues are due once.
  • Berth permit: Passenger ships with the port as home base can apply for a berth permit (ligplaatsvergunning).