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Insight

Recommendations for a Danish Maritime Growth Plan

Insight

Recommendations for a Danish Maritime Growth Plan

The Danish Government recently formed a new growth team tasked with developing recommendations on how the Danish maritime sector can leverage its strong global position to accelerate the green transition of the maritime sector, create sustainable growth, jobs, and exports. The recommendations are now ready – and they highlight the crucial role of international investments by introducing initiatives that create opportunities for foreign companies in Denmark. 

When

Shaping the Future of the Blue Denmark

Denmark’s strong maritime tradition has fostered an industry focused on green transition and high-tech options. With a solid ecosystem of shipping companies, equipment manufacturers, shipyards, shipbrokers, ports, and logistics companies, Denmark offers unique opportunities for foreign maritime players.

Nevertheless, the sector faces challenges from geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and stricter climate regulations requiring major investments in new technologies, fuels and infrastructure. The interplay between Danish authorities and the private maritime sector is therefore more important than ever and this growth team is a testament to exactly that.

The 21 recommendations are rooted in five focus areas:

  1. Strengthened maritime innovation capacity
  2. Easier access to new forms of financing to promote innovation and growth in the Blue Denmark
  3. Enhanced global collaboration and maritime exports
  4. Promotion of green international regulation and improved framework conditions for the Blue Denmark
  5. More and better skills for the Blue Denmark

Stronger innovation capacity: Testing facilities, regulatory efficiency, and tax exemption for fuels

The growth team has suggested establishing a maritime data centre based on a commercial model, where companies can test solutions and crunch data efficiently. This could optimise simulation methods, ship design and equipment development. It is also proposed to enhance regulatory efforts for efficient approval of new maritime technology and technology-driven regulation creating opportunities for e.g., companies focused on alternative ship designs.

The growth team recognise how increasing international competition creates new needs, including greater visibility of strengths and areas for improvement. It is proposed to carry out a benchmark analysis comparing Denmark with other leading maritime nations to shed light on cost levels, framework conditions, competencies etc. This will create transparency around where Denmark can offer business opportunities on a global scale.

Lastly, the growth team encourage the government to introduce a tax exemption for fuels used in test and demonstration of maritime technologies and systems, as taxes constitute a significant share of total fuel costs in a test process. If this is followed through, it could incentivise innovation and transition and make Denmark an even better country for development purposes. 

Access to finance for growth and innovation purposes

The green transition is well underway, but it faces challenges in terms of financing. As a consequence of this, it is suggested to set up a maritime investment fund with the primary aim of paving the way for risk capital investments in maritime companies with green growth potential. This fund should be partly financed by EU ETS funds from Danish shipping companies.

Furthermore, it is suggested that the government develop financial incentives focused on promoting green fuels through a support scheme, that closes the price gap between production and sales prices for green fuels. The government is also encouraged to support the production of green fuels with capital injections or loans, e.g., through the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO). 

The maritime workforce: Continuous education and paving the way for foreign labour

The maritime sector’s transition calls for new and broader competencies. It is crucial that the workforce is upskilled, and that new job and education models are developed to retain and attract skilled labour to the sector. This includes improving opportunities to recruit qualified professionals from abroad, which requires even simpler rules for foreign labour and visa processes for workers in the maritime industry.

The recommendations also include a number of other initiatives. Among them are long-term investments in maritime R&D and innovation, as well as increased international collaboration - with Denmark encouraged to establish partnerships focused specifically on green fuels. Continued strong green maritime advocacy within the IMO is also recommended, along with the suggestion to place maritime advisors at Danish representations and embassies in key markets.

What now? 

The government will use the recommendations posed by the growth team to determine the line of operation for the Blue Denmark and its green focus going forward. The aim being to seize the opportunities for growth that the green transition of the maritime sector poses. This includes an ongoing focus on attracting international investments to Denmark contributing to maintaining and strengthening the position as one of the world's leading maritime nations. 

⚓ What is Blue Denmark?

Blue Denmark is Denmark’s powerhouse maritime cluster – bringing together world-leading players across shipping, offshore, maritime technology, and services. It’s where global trade meets homegrown innovation.

Built on a legacy of seafaring excellence, Blue Denmark thrives on international cooperation, pioneering talent, and forward-thinking business models. From cutting-edge green fuel solutions to digital maritime services, the cluster is shaping the future of sustainable shipping.

With competitive framework conditions, a dynamic ecosystem, and a strong focus on skills development, Blue Denmark offers smooth sailing for companies ready to innovate, invest, and make waves in global maritime markets.

Want to learn more about the maritime sector in Denmark?

We provide free-of-charge confidential and tailor-made solutions for foreign companies looking to set up a new business in Denmark or expand an existing one. Please contact one of our experts here:

Copenhagen

  • Sarina Lohmann

    Title: Special Advisor – Maritime and transport – Analysis & Partnerships

    Area: Copenhagen

    Phone: +4533920423

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