rederij lampedusa
In 2015 we pulled two former migrant boats from the Mediterranean to Amsterdam. To start the most inclusive, the most colourful and probably the most sympathetic canal cruise company of the city. You may decide whether we have succeeded in this. We – a crew with roots in Syria, Somalia, Eritrea, Egypt and the Netherlands – would love to sail and guide you through our beautiful Amsterdam.
Like to discover Amsterdam together?
tours tours
CANAL TOUR
Immigration is inextricably linked to Amsterdam. In our canal tour we share stories of immigrants from the past and present. We tell how for centuries newcomers have shaped Amsterdam into the city it is, and continue to do so today.
Book a tour on our boat. We sail several times a week, check our calendar for availability.
Book our whole boat (for example for a family trip, or a company outing or together with friends…).
Write us an email and we will give you all the information.
(we sail every day all season)
fleet fleet
Alhadj Djumaa
The official name of this Egyptian vessel is ‘Alhadj Djumaa’ (which translated means ‘Mister Friday’ in Arabic). Alhadj means a wise old man who has been on pilgrimage, and Djumaa means Friday. It departed Egypt on the 25th of July 2013, headed for Lampedusa. It’s only 12m by 4m, but it carried a staggering 282 passengers – 217 Eritreans and 65 Ethiopians. As far as we know, they all made it safely across the ocean.
The boat was seized the day after departure by the Italian authorities, who later gave it to us.
In between the oil barrels, life jackets and clothes left behind on board, we found a book of sheet music for guitar. One other line of text is written on the back of the vessel: road to freedom, way of peace.
Hedir
We don’t know much about the history of our smaller boat, except that it was picked up by the Italian coast guard on August 29, 2014, about 18 miles southwest of the Sicilian town of Portopalo. We call it “Hedir”, the word that is written on the side, which means ‘thunder’ or ‘roar’ or ‘powerful woman’ in Arabic. Our only other clue to its history was a pair of diving goggles which were left on board.
At just 6m long, it’s well suited for slipping through the canals and under bridges. Since all new vessels in Amsterdam have to be electric, we refitted this former refugee boat, so now it moves along silently.
VACANCY BOARD MEMBERS
WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS!
Rederij Lampedusa is a social enterprise in Amsterdam that operates two former refugee boats to tell the city’s migration stories and celebrate its diversity.
We are currently seeking two new board members: a Treasurer (Penningmeester) and a Secretary (Secretaris)
people who are passionate about social impact, inclusion, and storytelling.
Read the Full Vacancy Here (PDF)
How to get to Rederij Lampedusa
Dijksgracht 6, 1019 BS, Amsterdam
Rederij Lampedusa is located at the head of the Dijksgracht (on the area of Mediamatic), within walking distance of Amsterdam’s Central Station.
We are easy to reach by bike, public transport and car.
reviews
DONATE
Yes please keep us sailing, feel free to donate something here – it’s donations from generous people like you that make the difference for us.
contact contact
Rederij Lampedusa is a project of Darly Alvarez, Naomi Namutebi, Tommy Sherif, Yusuf Adam Suali, Sami Tsegaye, Moe Al Masri, Sadettin Yalta, Eszter Galántai, Hamdy Ellakany, Mosab Elsawwah, Sezgin Tekin, Yusuf Szengul, Başak Layiç, Dorèndel Overmars, Renze Mout and Karl Giesriegl.
For more information please send us an email at info@rederijlampedusa.nl
Address harbour:
Rederij Lampedusa/Mediamatic
Dijksgracht 6
1019 BS Amsterdam
+31 (0)6 – 4360 0452
Rederij Lampedusa is proud to be artist in residence at Mediamatic.
Postal address:
Rederij Lampedusa/Stichting de Gelukszoekers
Noordeinde 52
1141AN Monnickendam
Information about our ANBI status you can find on our Dutch page. | RSIN 8554.53.199 | copyright Rederij Lampedusa 2024