First shortsea ship with Kampen as home port – ‘Anne-S’ reflagged

Tuesday, December 10, marks a special moment in the maritime history of Kampen: the short-sea ship Alert has a new name - Anne-S - and will be officially reflagged and will have Kampen as its new home port. This is the first time a short-sea ship has chosen Kampen as its home port, signaling a positive development for the region and the advancement of short-sea shipping.

The reflagging of the Anne-S underscores the importance of the Port of Zwolle and its efforts to better connect the region with international maritime trade routes. Short-sea shipping offers entrepreneurs in the area an efficient and sustainable way to transport goods to markets across Europe.

Strategic Opportunities: The Kornwerderzand Lock

A key factor in the future growth of short-sea shipping in this region is the widening and deepening of the Kornwerderzand Lock. The Port of Zwolle, together with northern regions and businesses, sees this as a unique economic opportunity. By modifying the lock, larger ships will gain access to the ports of Kampen, Meppel, and Zwolle. This would open doors to new markets and significantly strengthen the region’s logistical position. The project not only benefits the maritime sector but could also stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the area.

A Step Towards the Future

The Port of Zwolle hopes that the reflagging of the Anne-S will mark a breakthrough in the use of short-sea shipping. "With Kampen as its home port, we emphasize the potential of our region as a logistics hub. It’s a signal that we are ready for further growth and innovation in shipping," said Jeroen van den Ende, CEO of Port of Zwolle. The reflagging not only marks a new chapter for the Anne-S but also represents a significant step forward for the region as a maritime player.