Bent over. That’s how the story of De Kleine Veer begins. It’s a tale of a vessel that has seen many names and purposes. Today we stand before a place with a rich past. But let me tell you about a specific little ferry named De Kleine Veer.
De Kleine Veer started its life in 1935. It was built by Peters in Kampen Netherlands. Its first name was No 5. Rijkswaterstaat in Utrecht was its first owner. It proudly flew the Dutch flag.
De Kleine Veer wasn’t always known by that name. After serving as No 5 it became Het Kleine Veer. Then it was called Zalkerveer. Later it became Pontje Ham. Each name reflects a chapter in its long service.
Originally, De Kleine Veer ferried people across the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal. It also sailed on the IJssel near Hattem. For years, it dutifully carried passengers and vehicles. The ferry became a familiar sight to locals.
In 2006, De Kleine Veer found a new role. It began service between Langeland and Maasbommel. This was on the Gouden Ham. It was owned by Uiterwaarde in Kerk Avezaath.
De Kleine Veer is not very big. It is only 760 cm long and 270 cm wide. With a draft of 120 cm, it’s ideally sized for canal and river work. It is powered by a Volvo Penta 60 pk MD22L engine. It can carry only 12 passengers.
Once, Stichting Dagverblijven voor Gehandicapten owned De Kleine Veer. They were located in Kampen and Omstreken in Kampen. This shows De Kleine Veer’s diverse history of ownership.
The Amsterdamse veren, which include De Kleine Veer, are operated by the GVB. These ferries are numbered F1 to F9 and F20 to F22. All GVB ferries are free for pedestrians cyclists and scooters.
The Amsterdamse ferries are vital for city transport. The F1 to F4 F6 F7 and F9 lines operate daily. The F3 line even runs at night. These lines ensure that Amsterdam stays connected.
Several ferries have been retired over the years. These include lines I II III IV IVA and the veer to Sumatrakade. The Distelwegveer for cars was also discontinued. However, the ferries continue to evolve with the needs of the city.
The GVB has expanded its fleet over time. New routes such as the NDSM-werfveer and Houthavenveer have been added. This keeps Amsterdam connected and reduces traffic.
The Kleine Veer continues to operate today. As a symbol of Amsterdam’s innovative transport solutions it helps locals get around this beautiful city.
So here it is. De Kleine Veer a small ferry with a large story. It shows us how transport has changed and the many ways Amsterdam connects its people.