It's a fish, it's a boat? Amphibious vehicles glide through Amsterdam's canals

It's a fish, it's a boat? Amphibious vehicles glide through Amsterdam's canals

By Hilde Verweij

A colourful parade of amphibious cars glided through Amsterdam's canals on Thursday, but it was the last time the event will be held in the city, at least until batteries become lighter.

Starting in 2025, access to the city's waterways will be restricted to emission-free vessels and vehicles, a standard too high for amphibious cars due to the weight of electric batteries.

"This year is the last time because Amsterdam will (introduce) some new rules," said Dutchman Roy Bolks, organizer of the annual amphibious cars parade that moves countries every year.

The multi-day event started on Monday in Amsterdam and took the amphibious cars to the cities of Monnickendam and Utrecht before finishing in Amsterdam on Thursday.

"Everybody has to think about the environment and we understand it but it's a pity we can't easily turn these cars electric. ... So we're going to enjoy this last time", said Dutch participant Onno den Boer.

Typically, the event attracts around 80 participants, but this year 100 amphibious car enthusiasts joined the parade. "And that's only because we set a limit. We created a waiting list," Bolks said.

Electric amphibious vehicles are rare but Bolks said he knew of two, adding, "They're not easy to navigate as the battery is too big. The vehicle becomes too heavy."

He added that the unusual cars could return to Amsterdam if technology improves for them, although he’s not aware of such research.

The parade first took place in 1987 and has been hosted by Amsterdam four times.

The new legislation doesn't apply to the whole country, so the parade can still be held in the Netherlands. "It will take place in Friesland in a few years; it's pretty there," said Bolks.

Next year the parade will take place in Belgium, close to Ghent.