Real-Time Bridge Openings and Port Berth Availability for Dutch Waterways

An open data API service provides real-time information on bridge openings and available port berths in the Netherlands. The service, part of the Blauwe Golf Verbindend initiative, also includes limited lock information since August 2018 and is published by the Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties. Data is accessible via API and can be viewed in associated webmaps and mobile applications.

Use Cases

• Optimize shipping routes based on real-time bridge opening status.
• Plan port calls and berthing schedules based on available berth information for Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
• Monitor inland waterway traffic flow based on lock operation data.
• Develop real-time dashboards or mobile apps for maritime operators using the provided API.

Strengths

• Provides real-time data, which is critical for operational decision-making.
• Covers major Dutch ports (Amsterdam, Rotterdam) and the North Sea Port region.
• Includes multiple data types (bridge openings, berths, locks) within a single service.
• Data is offered under an open license (CC-PDM-1.0).

Limitations

• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after accessing the API.
• The lock information component is described as currently very limited.

Provenance

Source

Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties, via the Blauwe Golf Verbindend initiative.

Collection Method

Real-time data service (API) from operational systems.

Time Range

Real-time, with lock data available from August 2018 onward.

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

Netherlands, specifically ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and areas managed by North Sea Port and RWS.