Ferry service TESO

Koninklijke N.V. Texels Eigen Stoomboot Onderneming (TESO) has been providing the ferry service between Texel and Den Helder since 1907. For more than 110 years we have been sailing in the interest of all our passengers. Since the foundation of TESO, the goal has always remained the same: to provide a reliable, affordable boat connection between Texel and the mainland. The quality of the service, good service and sustainable business operations are paramount.

The Texel ferry service was founded by the islanders. Today, ownership is still in the hands of approximately 3,100 Texel residents and other users of the ferry service. TESO is a non-profit organisation and invests primarily in safety, quality and continuity. Your interest as a traveler is central to this.

1907: an initiative of a general practitioner
TESO – Texel's Own Steamboat Company – was founded in 1907. This was done on the initiative of the Texel general practitioner Adriaan Wagemaker. At that time, many Texel residents were dissatisfied with the ships, the limited number of sailings and the rates of the Alkmaar shipping company Bosman, which maintained the connection between Texel and Den Helder. The start-up capital for the new shipping company was collected by the people of Texel themselves. All inhabitants of Texel, rich or poor, could participate financially, and they did. Shares of 5 and 25 guilders were traded, and with a capital of more than 75,000 guilders, TESO competed with Bosman. As early as 1909, Bosman sold his company to the Texel company.

1950: Texel as a popular destination
Tourism on Texel experienced a strong development after the Second World War. The number of accommodations on the island grew and car ownership also increased. TESO had to respond to the increased demand for transport. In the early fifties, the flagship Doctor Wagemaker (1) was extended by five meters, so that TESO could increase its capacity. Then the new ship de Dageraad came into service, which could transport thirty cars.

1960: from Oudeschild to 't Horntje
Oudeschild was originally the home port of TESO. In the early sixties there was speculation about a port at 't Horntje on the southern tip of the island. The big advantage: the crossing would be half an hour shorter from there. Opinions were divided, including within the board. In the end, the choice fell on 't Horntje. In 1962, the TESO ships were able to use the new ferry port.

1980: double-deck ships
The growth of tourism was unstoppable, and presented TESO with considerable challenges. In the high season, waiting times sometimes increased to eight hours. That was definitely not a good calling card for Texel as a holiday island... Something had to be done. Because sailing with three ships proved logistically unfeasible, TESO director Theo Hoogerheide came up with a bold proposal. He wanted to build a double-decker ship that could carry almost three times as many cars. Opponents feared that Texel would be completely overrun by tourists. But Hoogerheide persevered and in 1980 the first TESO double-decker ferry the Molengat came into service. It was not until 1986 that TESO was able to use the upper deck, because the many objections had delayed the construction of a suitable loading ramp for years

After 2000: everything for a sustainable and affordable crossing
In 2005 the Dokter Wagemaker (2) was put into service, a modern ship with a larger capacity. The construction of the ship was aligned with research that showed that cars are getting longer, wider and bigger. Comfort during the crossing also played a greater role. For example, the Dokter Wagemaker got a larger buffet, a Texel shop and an atrium with a sea view all around.

This line was continued during the construction of TESO's new flagship: the Texelstroom. This ship was put into service in 2016. In addition to a high degree of comfort and service, TESO strives to make its services even more sustainable. The Texelstroom is therefore more economical, cleaner and more sustainable and can transport even more vehicles than all its predecessors. TESO has succeeded in keeping the rates for the ferry service attractive, in 2019 the rates are lower than in 2002. TESO considers affordability important on the basis of its statutory objective to optimise the accessibility of Texel.

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