Ferry operator lifts ban after political pressure

Østre Færge has reinstated landowner Hans Ingemann and his partners on its route to Orø after a two-week sailing ban triggered transport chaos and drew a warning from the Transport Ministry.

Michael Kousted, director of the private ferry service, said the media storm and a letter from the ministry had forced a rethink. “The intense coverage created near-hysteria among residents and visitors to Orø, pushing people to take sides,” he told DR. “We never intended to harm the island.”

The sailing ban had pushed agricultural machinery and livestock onto the already crowded municipal ferry between Orø and Holbæk, leaving commuters without space. “Regular travelers have sometimes been left behind because the ferry was full of machines,” said Nis Svoldgaard, treasurer of Orø Lokalforum.

Ingemann, who denies owing money to the ferry company, called the dispute disproportionate. “I’m sorry the whole affair has caused so much trouble,” he said. “Blocking others simply because you don’t get your way is unacceptable.”

The Transport Ministry’s letter warned that failure to lift the ban could lead to a state or municipal takeover of the route.

Kousted acknowledged the conflict had damaged the ferry’s reputation. “In hindsight we should have handled it differently, but we never expected this level of attention,” he said. “There are now some scratches on the paintwork, but our focus must return to ferrying people to and from Orø.”