Public transport operator GVB has managed to find extra ferry captains, allowing the busy F3 service between Buiksloterweg and Central Station to operate on its normal schedule.
The announcement comes after the company warned on Friday that staffing shortages would force a reduction in sailings across the IJ.
A late call to off-duty captains yielded enough staff to cover the main connection during a particularly busy weekend in the city center.
Disruption remains on other ferry routes
While the central route is fully operational, the shortage is still impacting other parts of the network.
The NDSM ferry line is running a reduced service, dropping to a single boat in each direction after 7:00 PM instead of the usual three.
Passengers traveling to and from the NDSM wharf are being advised to divert to the F3 connection at Buiksloterweg when possible.
Longer term staffing challenges for GVB
The sudden schedule adjustments were triggered by unexpected staff absences late in the week, leaving short-notice gaps in Saturday’s roster.
These short-term disruptions point to a broader, ongoing labor shortage within the city transport operator’s maritime department.
GVB currently has more than thirty open positions for ferry captains, with further retirements expected to put additional pressure on staffing levels in the near future.
A critical link during major city events
Maintaining reliable ferry operations remains vital for movement between Noord and the rest of Amsterdam, particularly during large events like the annual Canal Parade.
The free ferry system carries tens of thousands of commuters, locals, and visitors across the water every day.
City officials and transit planners continue to monitor cross-IJ capacity as passenger numbers grow alongside ongoing development in the north of the city.
