As tradition dictates, the new parliamentary year was kicked off on the first Tuesday of October with the Prime Minister’s opening speech.

This year, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen focused, among other things, on Denmark’s security and com­pe­ti­ti­ve­ness.

For Danish shipping companies, the government’s proposal to amend the War Insurance Act is clearly the most important item in the presented legislative programme. The bill will be introduced on Wednesday.

“We are living in a time of global tensions, and it is vital that Denmark can maintain the operation of its merchant fleet in the event of war – not least given that Denmark is among the world’s largest maritime nations. And as with any insurance policy, I hope we will never have to make use of it,” said Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.

Danish shipping is a strategic asset for Denmark. Danish shipping companies are, of course, insured through the regular commercial market. In an extraordinary wartime situation, it may be of great importance that the Danish merchant fleet can continue to operate. The government’s proposal will ensure that the Danish merchant fleet remains insured and can continue sailing in a war situation.

This is a solution that Danish Shipping has worked for several years to put in place in cooperation with the authorities.

When the proposal was sent out for consultation earlier this year, Danish Shipping described it as perfect timing to activate the War Insurance Institute.