The Dutch part of the North Sea is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Moreover, it is now also being used more and more intensively for other purposes, such as wind energy, nature protection and sand extraction. In order to keep the waterways safe for maritime traffic and to ensure a more efficient use of the available space, it has been decided to adapt the shipping routes.
What is to change?
The new shipping routes come into effect at midnight UTC (2 a.m. local time) on 1 August 2013. The main changes are:
Planning
Impediments and measures
From April 2013 onward, maritime traffic will regularly receive messages focusing on the new routes. Maritime traffic will be deemed, and explicitly advised, to monitor the messages through the usual channels.
The messages will be displayed on the websites of:
Rijkswaterstaat will relocate the buoys on 30 and 31 July and 1 August 2013. During that time, maritime traffic may still pass through unobstructed. Various measures will be taken to guarantee safety during the transition period. Before and during relocation of the buoys, maritime traffic will be kept informed by means of live navigation messages and Notices to Mariners.
During relocation of the buoys on 30 and 31 July, the old navigation routes remain operational.
Extra availability of ETV and VTS
From 31 July 2013 up to several days after the new routes have come into effect, extra vessels (Emergency Towing Vessels (ETV)) and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) will be deployed to supervise maritime traffic and, where necessary, lend assistance. In addition, a Coastguard aircraft, a helicopter and the Arca (equipped with anti-pollutant materials) will be on standby should assistance be required.
[mappress] Rijkswaterstaat, March 15, 2013