Multiple ships stranded in Denmark raise concerns over removal efforts in Føns Vig and Hedensted

In Denmark, several ships have been stranded for varying lengths of time, and their removal is not always promptly addressed. This issue predominantly arises when the owners cannot manage the removal themselves. For instance, a ship has been abandoned off the coast of Føns Vig in Funen since 2022. Local resident Anne Bjerrisgaard finds it disheartening to see the deteriorating vessel, stating, “It’s unfortunate. If there’s no environmental danger, it should either be salvaged or sunk to benefit the fish.”

The stranded vessel in Føns Vig is not an isolated incident. In Hedensted Municipality, a ship had caused headaches for local officials for months. Hedensted’s technical and environmental committee chair, Ove Kjærskov Nielsen, announced that the municipality successfully arranged for its removal after taking ownership. However, shortly after the removal, another stranded boat appeared unexpectedly. Nielsen expressed frustration over the situation, noting it was unprecedented in his tenure.

Despite concerns, he remained optimistic about the new boat’s status, believing the owner would undertake its removal as they were already in discussions with insurance representatives. Local resident Lotte Mikkelsen emphasized the need for stranded boats to be placed in the harbor rather than left afloat, stating, “It’s a problem that there are so many discrepancies regarding who should remove such vessels.”

In Middelfart Municipality, officials express their inability to act unless a vessel is deemed waste. Christina Føns, the municipal director, indicated that as long as the ship poses no immediate hazard, the municipality lacks the authority to intervene. The Danish Maritime Authority similarly noted that ships stranded in shallow waters do not typically present a threat to navigation or fishing, complicating removal efforts further.