Around 20 boats formerly used for prostitution in Utrecht are up for auction, with historic items such as used mattresses included.

Richard Dieteren, of online auctioneer BVA, which was running viewings on Friday, told the NOS broadcaster he was expecting plenty of interest. ‘It’s not often that someone gets the chance to buy a whole fleet of ships at once,’ he said.

The floating brothels were shut down in 2013 because the then mayor of Utrecht Aleid Wolfsen suspected that their operations involved human trafficking, although later reports said the result of the closure was that many prostitutes had to operate illegally afterwards.

Bidding for the old boats is until 22^nd September and they need to be moved by October 11^th. Currently, bids range from €500 to €2,500.

An announcement is expected later this month on a planned new red light district in Utrecht, which has been beset with problems and delays.