Odense Port could take over Fehmarn tunnel factory

Odense Port could take over operations of the tunnel factory and work harbour at Rødbyhavn after construction of the Fehmarn link is complete, DR reports. The port and Sund & Bælt, which is responsible for the project, have agreed to negotiate over a possible takeover.

The talks will run for the next two years. Odense Port vice-chair Peter Rahbæk Juel, who is also mayor of Odense, said the port has exclusive negotiating rights as the parties explore a permanent, binding agreement.

The factory on Lolland produces the tunnel elements for the link between Denmark and Germany. Construction is expected to finish in six years, after which the facility and harbour are planned for another use.

Odense Port has previously led the redevelopment of Lindø Shipyard. Juel said the two projects share large-scale production facilities and access to the Baltic Sea. Sund & Bælt chief executive Mikkel Hemmingsen said the port’s experience operating a production harbour made it an attractive partner.

The future use of the factory has not been decided. Possible options include shipbuilding, components for wind turbines or warships. Any takeover would depend on the parties completing negotiations.