On April 28th, the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) and the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) signed a common agreement on safety standards for the carriage of passengers in the Flensborg Fjord.
In particular, the agreement clearly defines the scope of safety standards to be met by passenger vessels and ferries. For instance, vessels must be equipped with lifejackets, life rafts and the necessary fire safety. If these requirements are met, Germany inland water way vessels will be allowed to carry passengers, use Danish ports and offer services on both the Danish and German part of the Flensborg Fjord.
By facilitating the transport of passengers on the Fjord, the agreement aims to boost the tourism sector and further enhance the good relations of the two countries.
Brian Mikkelsen, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, said: “I am very pleased that the agreement establishes clear guidelines for ships that want to carry passengers between Denmark and Germany on Flensborg Fjord. Previously, different regulations in the two countries have been a source of great frustration for the ship owners affected. The agreement also meets a demand by the tourist industry and the local community to make it easier for these ships to be approved for the benefit of the tourist and business sectors as well as the region.”
DMA noted that Danish and German vessel operators who want to carry passengers in accordance with this agreement should contact their national maritime authority in order to ensure that they meet the requirements established.
