The concession for the “waterbus” connection between Rotterdam and the Drecht Cities in the Netherlands will change hands as of 1 January 2022. From then on, a joint venture of Aqualiner and Swets ODV Maritiem BV will carry out the service with a new fleet of zero-emission ferries.

Apart from improving sustainability of public transportation by regional waterways in the province of Zuid-Holland, the system will also see an upgrade in connections. Passengers will be able to sail from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk all year round. Commuters traveling between Zwijndrecht and Papendrecht will no longer need to transfer in Dordrecht as the two cities will have a direct connection. Other improvements include adding the Rivium business park to the transportation network.

The concession will largely be exploited by a new fleet. Partially consisting of fully electric zero-emission ferries that will be utilised between the Drecht Cities.

The concession was granted for eight years. If the company manages to sail fully emission free by the end of the contract, there is an option to extend for another seven years.

Picture: The concession is currently carried out by Waterbus (by Waterbus).