Starting April 1, only electric, hydrogen or rowing boats will be allowed, a statement read. "The city's polluted air is bad for the health of Amsterdam residents," it added.

Air pollution, worsened by climate change, increases the risk of suffering from respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.

"This is why we are working on improving air quality" with free-emission zones, the authorities said.

The ban should contribute to lowering carbon dioxide emissions and also noise pollution.

"This means no more diesel fumes on our canals but silent and clean sailing powered by electricity, hydrogen or muscle strength," the statement read, adding that the ban will not apply to houseboats, or on the city's major sailing routes.

Hybrid boats will be allowed, as long as they do not pollute.

New, stricter regulation targeting tourist river boats already came into effect earlier this year, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS.