The visit is taking place under the headline “A European Partnership for a Resilient Future.”

Several members of Danish Shipping are part of the delegation. DFDS, Cadeler, and Ørsted are all participating in the segment of the state visit that focuses on green energy.

“We have a strong presence in France. Our largest business area is freight and passenger transport across the English Channel, and we are currently undertaking a large-scale electri­fi­ca­tion project with the ambition to deploy six electric ferries by 2035. Collaboration is crucial for our green transition, and we are taking part in the state visit to reaffirm our business ambitions in France and connect with French stakeholders, particularly in the energy sector,” said Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS and Chairman of Danish Shipping.

The green transition, the expansion of offshore wind and renewable energy, and scaling up the production of green fuels – including for shipping – are key topics for Danish Shipping and our members.

“Cadeler has a long-standing collaboration with French companies and partners, and we see this strong relationship continuing well into the future. The French offshore wind market holds significant potential, and we welcome opportunities like this to further strengthen our ties with key stakeholders, driving innovation and accelerating the growth of offshore wind together,” said Mikkel Gleerup, CEO, Cadeler.

No fewer than four ministers from the Danish government are accompanying the royal couple on the visit: the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, the Minister for Health, and the Minister for Defence.

Along the way, participants will also have the opportunity to meet both French President Emmanuel Macron and the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.

“It is important that Danish shipping is so strongly represented here in Paris. Shipping is a strategic asset for both Denmark and Europe in a turbulent and volatile geopolitical landscape. Danish shipping companies are at the forefront of the green transition, so we have much to contribute in a European context. At the same time, it is incredibly important to strengthen cooperation across Europe to increase the production of the green fuels we currently lack to power our ships,” said Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.