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The CO₂ tax will result in additional costs for foreign shipowners
Foreign Vessels Avoid Denmark Due to CO₂ Tax Impact
DENMARK
Friday, January 10, 2025, 10:00 (GMT + 9)
The newly implemented CO₂ tax on fishing in Denmark is already causing ripple effects in the industry, with foreign vessels choosing to land their fish elsewhere. This trend is particularly evident in Hanstholm, as reported by Svend Boye Thomsen from Fiskeritidende.
 At Hanstholm Fish Auction, auctioneer Jesper Kongsted has received early indications from foreign shipping companies that Denmark may no longer be a preferred destination if the CO₂ tax remains in place.
“German boats have already informed us they will land their fish at home. Swedish vessels are considering similar actions. A major French shipping company operating five vessels has said they will continue to bring fish to Hanstholm for now, but plan to refuel in the Shetland Islands,” said Kongsted. “If they begin doing that, it’s only a matter of time before they find it more practical to land their catches in Scotland.”
The financial burden of the CO₂ tax is substantial. For the French company with five vessels, the tax represents an additional annual expense exceeding 15 million Danish kroner.
“When a boat docks, it prioritizes efficiency to return to sea quickly. Added costs like this tax are unsustainable for the industry. It's a matter of simple economics—no one will willingly accept such a financial burden,” Kongsted explained.
He expressed concern about the broader implications of the tax, both for Danish and foreign vessels.
“I sincerely hope policymakers understand the gravity of this situation. We need a model that is fair and sustainable for everyone involved. Otherwise, this policy could have devastating consequences,” he warned.
The CO₂ tax, introduced at the start of the year, aims to reduce emissions, but its impact on Denmark’s fishing industry highlights the delicate balance between environmental policies and economic realities.
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