Kerteminde mayor threatens to halt Odense port expansion

Kerteminde Mayor Michael Nielsen of the Conservative Party is threatening to halt planning for an expansion of Odense Port unless the Danish state commits to covering part of an estimated 180 million kroner road bill, DR reports.

Odense Port is owned by Odense Municipality but is located in Munkebo, within Kerteminde Municipality, which is responsible for approving the plans.

The port wants to expand by one million square metres in Odense Fjord and produces components for the offshore wind industry. The project is expected to bring more employees and put additional pressure on the road network.

“We have calculations showing that it will cost 180 million kroner on the Kerteminde side alone. We do not have the capacity for that, so there is no reason to continue unless the state commits itself,” Nielsen told DR.

Nielsen wants the state to provide clarity soon. He and the Social Democrats are expected to propose halting the local planning process at a municipal council meeting in September.

“We have continually heard that the state was willing to become involved because it viewed Odense Port as important for the green transition and the business community. We want certainty that the state will honour what it has said and commit itself. Otherwise, it makes no sense to continue the local planning process,” Nielsen said.

The expansion was a major issue during the municipal elections in November and remains controversial in Kerteminde’s council and in local communities along Odense Fjord. The project has faced protests in several small settlements.

Kerteminde’s council is divided over the proposal. Nielsen has said he is not categorically opposed to the expansion, but argues that a 180 million kroner road bill would amount to three years of the municipality’s entire construction budget.

DR has contacted Transport Minister Signe Munk of the Socialist People’s Party for comment.