User guidelines Van Dijck pontoon

There are conditions and guidelines when using the Van Dijck pontoon specifically for embarking and disembarking for the purpose of water-borne tourism. Those conditions and guidelines have been developed to ensure the efficient and optimal use of the pontoon in the interest of all users on the Scheldt.

Type of vessels

Vessels equipped for the ‘transportation of passengers’ with an overall length of not more than 50 metres.

Mooring time

The mooring period for ad hoc berths for embarkation and disembarkation is allowed in slots no longer than 10 minutes, to enable passengers to embark and disembark the pontoon safely and comfortably. The sailing schedule of regular users (water mobility) must not be impeded while these activities are taking place.

For that reason, please communicate amongst yourselves via VHF channel 81 to make proper arrangements to maximise the use of the pontoon while respecting the sailing schedules of the water mobility, ferry service and water bus.

Berth request for embarkation and disembarkation

You must request online a berth at least 48 hours in advance (Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays do not count when calculating the 48 hours), at the City Port. 

This enables us to maintain a full overview of how the pontoon is being utilised by all users of the City Port. We can also monitor passenger comfort and the extent to which the pontoon is being used. On the website, you can consult the mooring plan for the next 3 weeks.

Waterfront safety

In the interest of safety at the water's edge (Scheldt), fencing with access gates has been installed on the pontoon. The access gates will be locked after the last sailing of the day until the first sailing the next morning. One of the regular users opens or closes the access gates according to his/her sailing schedule and supervises it. During the day, the access gates remain closed and are opened only briefly to allow passengers to embark and disembark.

Reporting technical defects or unsafe situations

All users of the Van Dijck pontoon have a duty to report any technical defects and/or unsafe situations that occur. These can be reported via the City of Antwerp website. (Dutch only)

Using the Cruise pontoon as alternative berth for embarking and disembarking passengers

The use of the cruise pontoon to embark and disembark passengers as an alternative location to the Van Dijck pontoon is possible following an assessment by the City Port's operations team. The confirmation received will always relate to embarkation and disembarkation at the Van Dijck pontoon. One week before the scheduled date, contact the City Port to find out if the Cruise pontoon can be used as an alternative berth.

• Whenever a seagoing cruise ship is arriving at or departing from the Cruise Terminal (S22), the Van Dijck pontoon must be kept clear in accordance with the guidelines of the GNA:
• The Pontoon will be blocked for a period of half an hour before and half an hour after the seagoing cruise vessel arrives or departs.
• Details regarding the approach and departure of a seagoing cruise ship can be found in the mooring plan.
• Waiting quays during the night and immobilising events aboard ships are not allowed
• The City of Antwerp reserves the right to deviate from the above conditions of use in the case of events, work and requests for a specific berth, amongst other things.
• Changes will always be communicated to known users in a timely manner via the City of Antwerp.