Danish marinas buried in sand face months-long wait for removal permits

Several Danish marinas remain blocked by severe sand buildup after prolonged easterly winds, but removal efforts are stalled by permit delays of up to nine months, DR reports.

Bøgeskov Marina near Stevns Klint is completely closed to navigation, with sand reducing water depths from the usual 2.2 meters to just 30 centimeters in some areas. The marina’s chairman, Lars Honoré, warns the historic site—operating for centuries—could shut permanently if the blockage persists.

“We’re fighting for our existence. Half our annual revenue comes from visiting sailors in summer, and right now we can’t welcome a single boat,” Honoré told DR. The marina has already spent 30,000 DKK testing the sand, which is not contaminated but requires environmental approval before removal.

Denmark’s Association of Leisure Marinas (FLID) confirms lengthy permit processing is a nationwide issue. Director Jesper Højenvang calls for legal reforms to allow emergency clearances in extreme cases, noting some complex cases drag on for up to six years. “There’s no force majeure option in current law. We urgently need a way to act quickly,” he said.

Honoré criticizes the bureaucracy: “It’s absurd that we can’t remove clean sand pushed in by waves. If we lose this marina, it’s gone forever.”

Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke (S) has not responded to requests for comment.