Stelling van Amsterdam - Petroleum harbor

In 1887, the Petroleumhaven was constructed, well outside Amsterdam. The U-shaped harbor could be closed in an emergency and offered space for large ships—initially twelve, later nineteen. Naphtha was stored on the central island; a watchman lived there with his family. A boat sailed to the city daily.

On the west side was the Municipal Petroleum Warehouse. From 1890 onward, the Amsterdam Petroleum Company handled transhipment and storage, followed by Shell,
Standard Oil, and others. A monopoly was prevented through clever lease arrangements.

Supply increased rapidly: from 150,000 barrels in 1890 to over eight million in 1901.

In the event of an air threat, supplies would be distributed by barge. Between 1916 and 1918, anti-aircraft guns were positioned around the site. In May 1940, British commandos destroyed virtually the entire port. The war abruptly ended a constantly expanding and adapting infrastructure.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: TracesofWar
• stelling-amsterdam.nl