German authorities have now dropped the requirement for Danish ships without SOLAS certificates to undergo inspections when entering German ports or operating out of Germany. This has been warmly welcomed by the industry, as it eliminates redundant and time-consuming bureaucracy, given that Danish ships are already inspected in Denmark.

This is excellent news for Danish shipping companies operating in German ports or from Germany, as the German authorities have decided to lift the requirement for Danish ships without SOLAS certification to undergo inspections and obtain a special certificate.

“When we’ve planned a job in Germany, we typically had to allow an extra 2–3 days for the inspection process. This has distorted competition, as not everyone was subject to the same rules. Moving forward, it will clearly be easier for us to prepare bids and take on projects in the German market,” said Stefan Andreasen, CEO of DBB Dredging.

Danish Shipping has long opposed this requirement, arguing that it was unfair for Danish ships to be inspected first by their own authorities and then again by the German authorities. Beyond the direct financial costs of these inspections, the requirement also meant ships were out of operation during the inspection period, impacting their ability to work and meet contractual obligations.

Moving forward, it will clearly be easier for us to prepare bids and take on projects in the German market

Stefan Andreasen, CEO of DBB Dredging

“This regulatory change will make it easier and more accessible for us to operate in Germany, giving us better opportunities in the German market. That’s how it should be in an industry like ours, where we all adhere to the same international rules. This national exception within the EU never made sense,” said Niels Henriksen, owner and CEO of NH Towage.

“It was an unreasonable requirement that didn’t actually enhance safety, as Danish ships were already in excellent and safe condition. At the same time, it imposed significant costs and challenges on our members. It’s always a good day when common sense prevails,” said Nina Porst, Director of Climate, Environment, and Safety at Danish Shipping.

The logic behind the German authorities’ decision to drop the requirement is supported by the fact that, in practice, they never imposed additional demands on Danish ships following their inspections. This confirms that Danish ships were already in a safe and sound condition. Danish Shipping has, among other efforts, been in continuous dialogue with the EU Commission regarding the legality of this requirement.

About SOLAS Certification

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is an international treaty concerning maritime safety, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is the UN’s maritime agency. The convention regulates a wide range of safety measures onboard ships.

To obtain SOLAS certification, a ship must comply with these requirements. The rules apply to ships with a tonnage exceeding 500 GT. Therefore, a number of smaller Danish ships under 500 GT that operate in German ports or from Germany do not hold SOLAS certification.