Westzaan, Zaandam residents complain about docked ship noise in Port of Amsterdam

Residents of Assendelft, Westzaan, and Zaandam have been lodging complaints since Monday evening with the North Sea Canal Area Environmental Agency (OD NZKG) and the Port of Amsterdam about a persistent humming noise. According to the environmental agency and the port authority on Tuesday, the disturbance is coming from the vessel BBC Opal, which is currently moored at TMA Logistics in the Western Port Area.

The humming sound originates from generators operating on the ship, which is preparing to unload cables over an estimated two-week period. Officials say there is no quick fix for the problem at present, though TMA has already implemented steps such as turning off ventilation systems and repositioning the vessel. “We are continuing discussions with TMA to explore additional ways to reduce the nuisance,” they said.

Generator noise from ships has long been an issue in Amsterdam’s port. In past instances, like when the BBC Amber was docked at TMA Logistics, authorities determined that the onboard generators were the primary source of the disturbance, a scenario now repeating with the BBC Opal.

People living in Westzaan and parts of Zaandam say they can hear several humming tones at the same time, and that the noise is especially disruptive during the evening and night.

A technical alternative that can reduce noise and emissions is shore power, where a ship switches off its generators and uses electricity from the shore. Amsterdam has already implemented such a system for cruise ships, and starting in 2027, its use will be required even before European rules mandate it. While this shows that practical solutions exist, not all ships or quays are equipped to take advantage of them.

The OD NZKG oversees environmental, construction, and soil issues in the port and can process complaints about noise, odor, or dust. Local residents can officially file a report, which may lead to inspections and further measures.