18
Aug 2025
17:41 UTC
Netherlands Tactical: SAIL Amsterdam to take place in Amsterdam on August 20-24; maintain heightened vigilance
Current Situation
- The 10th edition of SAIL Amsterdam, commemorating the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam, will be held on August 20-24. Over 10,000 maritime vessels from 24 countries will participate in the event.
- On August 20, the event will begin with the ‘Sail-In’ parade from Zeesluis, Ijmuiden to IJhaven, Amsterdam at 10:00 (local time). The ships participating in the parade will then enter Amsterdam proper from 14:00.
- On August 20-23, firework shows will take place at A’dam Tower from 22:30 and last for 12.5 minutes.
- Associated activities and events will also take place at various venues throughout the city, especially on Java Island, near Surinamekade, and in the Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (NDSM) area. Further details are available here.
- On August 24, the event will conclude with the ‘Sail-Out’ parade along the IJ and the North Sea Canal from 14:00, before concluding at Zeesluis, Ijmuiden.
- Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch waterways management authority, expects congestion at the Oranjesluizen, the passage linking the IJmeer and Markermeer with the IJ, due to the high volume of vessels operating in the city during the event.
- They also announced that the freight and passenger traffic via ferry services will continue as scheduled throughout the event duration.
- Additionally, airspace over Amsterdam will be restricted for the entire event duration. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and small recreational aircraft are prohibited from flying over the SAIL area.
Source: SAIL Amsterdam
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on organizers’ estimates, the event is expected to draw over two million visitors.
- Given the large turnout of the event, traffic is likely to be heavily disrupted in Amsterdam, as well as on routes leading into the city. Overground public transportation services, including buses and trams, are expected to face significant disruptions or cancellations and run on altered schedules and routes. Overcrowding on available public transportation in Amsterdam is expected amid the increased inflow of tourists and visitors.
- Given the nature of the event, it is expected to transpire largely peacefully. Nonetheless, there remains the potential for climate groups and pro-Palestinian activists to hold protests near prominent event locations, as these actors often stage protests coinciding with large events. Moreover, there is a risk of anti-tourism protests given the expected influx of visitors, coupled with the heightened anti-tourism sentiment among Amsterdam residents. These groups are also more likely to use disruptive tactics, including sit-ins to block the parade route. As such, police will likely intervene and forcibly remove any demonstrators disrupting events.
- Separately, considering the overall increased threat of terrorism across Europe, there is an increased likelihood of radicalized jihadist lone actors attempting to target large events in Western Europe.
- Considering these risks, physical security measures should be expected at the aforementioned events, including security checkpoints at entry and exit points. Armed police are also likely to be deployed as a precautionary measure. Random frisking and baggage checks are likely during the events.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Amsterdam on August 20-24 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of SAIL Amsterdam events due to the aforementioned risks.
- Allot for disruptions to travel and remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding road closures, security measures, and public transportation schedule changes.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Amsterdam, Netherlands
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Current Situation
- The 10th edition of SAIL Amsterdam, commemorating the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam, will be held on August 20-24. Over 10,000 maritime vessels from 24 countries will participate in the event.
- On August 20, the event will begin with the ‘Sail-In’ parade from Zeesluis, Ijmuiden to IJhaven, Amsterdam at 10:00 (local time). The ships participating in the parade will then enter Amsterdam proper from 14:00.
- On August 20-23, firework shows will take place at A’dam Tower from 22:30 and last for 12.5 minutes.
- Associated activities and events will also take place at various venues throughout the city, especially on Java Island, near Surinamekade, and in the Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (NDSM) area. Further details are available here.
- On August 24, the event will conclude with the ‘Sail-Out’ parade along the IJ and the North Sea Canal from 14:00, before concluding at Zeesluis, Ijmuiden.
- Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch waterways management authority, expects congestion at the Oranjesluizen, the passage linking the IJmeer and Markermeer with the IJ, due to the high volume of vessels operating in the city during the event.
- They also announced that the freight and passenger traffic via ferry services will continue as scheduled throughout the event duration.
- Additionally, airspace over Amsterdam will be restricted for the entire event duration. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and small recreational aircraft are prohibited from flying over the SAIL area.
Source: SAIL Amsterdam
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on organizers’ estimates, the event is expected to draw over two million visitors.
- Given the large turnout of the event, traffic is likely to be heavily disrupted in Amsterdam, as well as on routes leading into the city. Overground public transportation services, including buses and trams, are expected to face significant disruptions or cancellations and run on altered schedules and routes. Overcrowding on available public transportation in Amsterdam is expected amid the increased inflow of tourists and visitors.
- Given the nature of the event, it is expected to transpire largely peacefully. Nonetheless, there remains the potential for climate groups and pro-Palestinian activists to hold protests near prominent event locations, as these actors often stage protests coinciding with large events. Moreover, there is a risk of anti-tourism protests given the expected influx of visitors, coupled with the heightened anti-tourism sentiment among Amsterdam residents. These groups are also more likely to use disruptive tactics, including sit-ins to block the parade route. As such, police will likely intervene and forcibly remove any demonstrators disrupting events.
- Separately, considering the overall increased threat of terrorism across Europe, there is an increased likelihood of radicalized jihadist lone actors attempting to target large events in Western Europe.
- Considering these risks, physical security measures should be expected at the aforementioned events, including security checkpoints at entry and exit points. Armed police are also likely to be deployed as a precautionary measure. Random frisking and baggage checks are likely during the events.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Amsterdam on August 20-24 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of SAIL Amsterdam events due to the aforementioned risks.
- Allot for disruptions to travel and remain cognizant of authorities’ updates regarding road closures, security measures, and public transportation schedule changes.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Amsterdam, Netherlands
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
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Related Reports
Netherlands
-
ProtestNetherlands Tactical: Kosovar diaspora to protest outside Kosovo Specialist chambers in The Hague on September 14; allot for disruptions
-
TravelNetherlands Tactical: Unionized KLM ground staff workers to strike on September 10,17; reconfirm itineraries
-
DevelopingNetherlands Tactical: Explosive device prompts evacuation, closure at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam as of afternoon hours (local time) on August 25; remain cognizant of authorities' updates
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ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to take place regionwide on August 12-16; maintain heightened vigilance