Afmeer

Afmeer is a nautical term used in Dutch maritime practice to describe the act of mooring a vessel at a distance from the quay, typically in a designated holding area or approach zone, before berthing. The concept serves to manage ship traffic, accommodate weather or tidal constraints, and reduce congestion near the terminal by staging arrivals rather than directing every vessel directly to the berth.

In standard operations, an afmeer is coordinated by the port authority or harbor master. The vessel is directed to a specific afmeerplaats or hold area and maintained in position with the assistance of tugboats, or by lines secured to buoys or remote moorings. Communication with the control tower or pilot station is maintained to monitor conditions and traffic, ensuring that berthing can proceed safely when conditions permit. When ready, the ship is guided in under pilotage and local tugs to a berth and moored alongside the quay.

Afmeer is most common in busy ports, during peak traffic periods, adverse weather, or when terminal berths are temporarily unavailable. It provides a controlled, low-risk method to manage arrivals without occupying prime berthing space. While the term is primarily used in Dutch-speaking maritime contexts, similar holding patterns exist in other ports under different names.

See also: berthing, mooring, harbor approach, holding area.