Bodil brought storm and water

After the rage of Hurricane Allan in October, Bodil followed with hurricane-force winds and high tides. Still, the damage is limited, but some commercial ports have been hit hard With Bodil, Denmark has now had 8 storms of the century since 2000. Harbors must prepare for the fact that powerful storms now occur almost every year. Outer piers are hit harder and sand migration along the coast is becoming more extensive. This affects shipping channels, which fill up and require costly clean-up. Of the 23 commercial ports that Danske Havne has now received reports from, most have only minor damage. But a few have extensive damage, estimated at around DKK 20 million. The good cooperation between ports and the municipal emergency services worked very professionally and prevented major damage. However, some smaller ports, such as Thorsminde and Bønnerup, have suffered so much damage that the financial burden is alarming. This raises several questions about the Storm Council's mandate and decisions, including Why is there a Storm Council deciding whether Mr. and Mrs. Jensen can receive compensation, while damage to society's important infrastructure is excluded from compensation? The Storm Council excludes compensation to ports on the grounds that ports are exposed to sudden weather waves. But of course ports are exposed when they need to be easily accessible from the sea. The weather has become rougher and harsher, with powerful storms and extensive sand migration along the coasts. When the sand fills the shipping lanes, it needs to be cleaned up, which is very expensive. Ports are vital infrastructure and essential for the transportation of goods and passengers. The extra costs can only be passed on to the port's customers, who then have to pay for Bodil and her successors. This is not fair. The Storm Council's image of ports dates back to the days when municipalities were self-insured. But ports are businesses that are independent of the municipal treasury. Therefore, it is also time to reconsider the Storm Council's policy. Danish Ports will raise the matter with the Danish Storm Council. It is also time to look at the insurance companies' practices. Some companies cover damage to the insured, regardless of whether it is a natural disaster. Others refuse with reference to the Storm Council's decisions. For more information. Contact Tom Elmer Christensen, Danish Ports. Source: Port of Thyborøn