Ferry Service Between Maassluis and Rozenburg Bankrupt and Stranded Passengers

The ferry between Maassluis and Rozenburg suddenly stopped sailing yesterday afternoon. The operator of the ferry service has filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations immediately. As a result, travelers were stranded at the jetties. Buses were used to transport stranded people and the local rowing club also deployed a bicycle and foot ferry.

The ferry service has been struggling with problems for a long time. According to the province of South Holland, it first seemed that these problems were only caused by a technical problem with the ferries. But gradually, according to the province, it turned out that the operator did not have enough money to keep the ferries in operation. The ferry for cars has not been running for several months.

However, the operator says that the province did not want to help with enough money, reports Rijnmond. Due to the corona pandemic, the number of travelers was disappointing. Repairs also turned out to be more expensive than expected and fuel costs were much higher than expected, according to operator Blue Amigo.

In the coming days, buses and a bicycle-pedestrian ferry will be used alternately to transport people from Maassluis to Rozenburg, the province reports. According to Zuid-Holland, the Damen company is prepared to start with an emergency ferry “in the short term”. Damen also has a shipyard near Rozenburg.

The CNV union says it has no understanding for the bankruptcy. According to the union, about 25 people will lose their jobs. CNV points the finger of blame at both the province and Blue Amigo. According to the union, the province wanted to “sit in the first rank for a dime” and Blue Amigo has made “a mess” of it, according to the union. Connexxion previously provided the ferry service.