River Cruise Ambition Drimmelen

BLOC prepared a strategic ambition document for the municipality of Drimmelen and tour operator De Zilvermeeuw as a first step in discussions with Rijkswaterstaat. The document supports a potential river cruise mooring location on the Amer, near De Zilvermeeuw’s site. It outlines how location choice, intended use, nautical safety, and relevant policy frameworks come together. The ambition document serves as both a substantive foundation and a discussion paper for Rijkswaterstaat before the formal permitting process.

A New Ambition on the Amer

The river cruise sector is expanding and increasingly needs new, well-positioned docking locations beyond the current busy hotspots. Drimmelen sees an opportunity to strengthen its role as a gateway to De Biesbosch National Park, while also boosting local recreation and the regional economy.

The intended mooring site near tour operator De Zilvermeeuw, a well-established company active on the Amer and in De Biesbosch, is strategically located and fits within this wider ambition.

At the same time, river environments are complex and sensitive. Any development must take into account national waterway policy, ecological values, navigational safety, and the multifunctional use of major rivers. That makes early alignment with Rijkswaterstaat essential.

Strategic ambition document as a first step

BLOC prepared a strategic ambition document required to initiate discussions with Rijkswaterstaat. The proposed mooring location is elaborated in detail and assessed against relevant frameworks, including the Policy Rule for Major Rivers. The document provides insight into the location choice, operational concept, spatial integration, nautical conditions, and the relationship with the surrounding area.

In addition, BLOC organised coordination with Rijkswaterstaat, neighbouring municipalities, local stakeholders, and river cruise operators. Through discussions with, among others, Uniworld, operational requirements, safety considerations, and future expectations were made more concrete. Alternative locations in the region, such as Moerdijk and Geertruidenberg, were also included to clarify Drimmelen’s positioning within the broader river cruise network. The result is a clear, realistic, and policy-robust foundation for the next steps towards a formal application.

Developing promising riverfront opportunities

The Drimmelen case shows how BLOC supports municipalities in carefully exploring and positioning ambitions along the river. From river cruise initiatives to other water-related developments, BLOC helps translate ideas into a strategic and well-substantiated starting point, while connecting public authorities, market parties, and local stakeholders.

Is your municipality facing a spatial or recreational challenge along the waterfront? BLOC helps sharpen ambitions and supports well-prepared next steps towards implementation.