Since 2014, the transport concessions in force for the Waddenveren West and Waddenveren Oost, which are respectively operated by BV Terschellinger Stoombootmaatschappij (TSM) and Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten BV (WPD). Both shipping companies submit a transport plan every year with which they announce the plans for the next timetable year.
Both shipping companies have proposed to increase their rates by 2020 percent in 2,6 as a correction for the inflation that has occurred. In a letter to the House, State Secretary van Veldhoven-Van der Meer indicates that he agrees with the proposed rate changes.
"I think it is important that the accessibility of the Wadden Islands is safeguarded and where possible improved. In the transport plans for 2020, TSM and WPD show in my opinion that they are working on this with dedication. With these plans and the efforts of both shipping companies, I expect that the traveler can continue to count on good services in the coming yearSaid the State Secretary.
Transport plan for the Waddenveren West concession
The biggest change that TSM has included in the 2020 transport plan is the introduction of the two new, more environmentally friendly LNG ferries. TSM had to decide not to carry out the introduction in 2019, but in 2020, due to delays in the construction process and damage to the facility that occurred during the transport of the ships to the Netherlands. The shipping company's aim is to include the new ships in the timetable from 7 January 2020.
Transport plan for the Waddenveren Oost concession
Relevant to report here is that WPD introduced a second express service in the course of 2019. The introduction of a second express service makes WPD's services more robust, because a second ship can be deployed in the event of a failure.
During the AO Public transport, public transport chip card and taxi on September 20, 2018, mr. Ziengs asked about the possibility to enter a scale on the express service to Ameland. In the 2020 transport plan, WPD indicates that it is practically impossible to implement a graduated scale.
