Transport Minister sees ports as part of Growth Denmark

Minister for Transport Magnus Heunicke is looking forward to creating the best framework for the port industry together with the industry. It was a happy and interested minister who spoke about the government's ambitions for the ports Minister of Transport Magnus Heunicke shares Danish Ports' vision that Danish ports should be the best in Europe. The Minister opened the second day of the Ports Conference 2014, where more than 200 decision-makers from the port sector were given a clear speech from the podium. Magnus Heunicke clearly stated that the ports have gained a Minister of Transport with solid experience and not least interest in ports, infrastructure and transport policy. Three messages were central to the Minister's speech: Firstly, ports have a range of strengths. It is important that ports identify their strengths so that they do not all enter the same door. Secondly, Danish ports are commercial ports and therefore engines of growth for jobs and employment. Elbow room and solid teamwork with municipalities, together with a dynamic Port Act, are necessary to develop Europe's best ports. Thirdly, ports have a role as a central link in the transport chain. Ports must therefore continue to develop as an energy-efficient alternative in the transport chain. For example, investing in liquefied natural gas facilities or quayside power helps pave the way for more fossil-free freight transport. Danish Ports Association is very pleased that the Minister is open to changes when the Ports Act is to be evaluated in 2015. This will pave the way for a more flexible Act that, among other things, puts ports' borrowing options on an equal footing and allows them to provide port operations across municipal boundaries. The Minister for Transport can also help ports in his European work. The EU must help ports with fair competition and open markets. There is a need for equal conditions and equal opportunities. Danske Havne looks forward to working with the Minister of Transport and the civil service on better development conditions for Danish commercial ports. Source: Photographer Niels Åge Skovbo, Fokus Foto