Proposed port fee cut threatens Hvannasund revenue

Hvannasund municipality could lose about 130,000 kroner a year if a proposal to abolish port fees paid by the state ferry service is approved, KVF reports. Mayor Karl Vilhelm Hansen says the income is important to the municipality.

The fees are paid for the ferry Ritan to berth in Hvannasund. The vessel serves the islands of Fugloy and Svínoy.

Government minister Jacob Vestergaard has proposed scrapping the fees. The state treasury would save just over seven million kroner a year, but municipalities served by the ferry service would lose the income.

Hansen says the loss could have major consequences for Hvannasund harbour and the municipality. The mayor of Tórshavn and the Association of Municipalities have also strongly opposed the proposal.