Amsterdam marked 150 years since the opening of the North Sea Canal, which was built over ten years toward IJmuiden after the city’s port had become difficult for large ships to reach via the Zuiderzee. An English financier funded the work, which thousands of Dutch and English labourers carried out in poor conditions. The canal gave Amsterdam a direct sea connection, helped revive port activity and employment, and was followed by developments including artificial islands in the IJ, Central Station and warehouses along the Oostelijke Handelskade.

Port of Amsterdam now occupies about one-seventh of the city. The municipality plans to redevelop the western harbour area as Haven-Stad, including 70,000 homes, while the province wants to retain the area for business use. The port is also seeking to shift from fossil-fuel logistics toward greener energy while continuing its existing operations.