Setting up a maritime business

Denmark is one of the world’s leading maritime nations and is home to a large and modern maritime cluster. Denmark is also one of the world’s easiest places to do business and a great place to live.

Danish shipping businesses transport approximately 4,5 per cent of all traded goods globally and Danish maritime companies account for approximately 23 per cent of Denmark's total exports.

Globally, Denmark is known for quality shipping and for promoting the highest standards of maritime health, safety and environmental protection, together with high commercial competitiveness.

A diverse maritime cluster

Global shipping is the driving force behind the Danish maritime cluster. Yet, maritime Denmark also consists of shipbrokers, ports, logistics companies, shipyards as well as producers of marine equipment and service providers. Moreover, maritime Denmark holds a strong position in the area of supply activities for the offshore industry.

Danish producers of marine equipment and ships offer solutions customized to international key players throughout the maritime world. The industry is well-known for its quality and innovative, high-tech and green solutions.

A skilled and flexible workforce

Denmark's strong maritime traditions are based on the availability of a skilled and competent workforce. Close cooperation between the industry and maritime education and training institutions ensures that the Danish workforce is up to date and adapts to the needs of the maritime world.

Overall, with its well-functioning infrastructure, large maritime cluster, flexible labour market and qualified work.

Quality shipping

Denmark is on the top of the white lists for the Paris MoU, the Tokyo MoU and remains qualified for the USCG Qualship 21 programme.

World top operator

Denmark is among the world’s largest operators. The Danish flag covers a gross tonnage of approximately 22 million and 700 vessels in international trade.

Do you want to set up a maritime business in Denmark?

- We are ready to assist you! Send an email with your request to sfs@dma.dk and we will get back to you.

Shipping

Favourable framework conditions are paramount for securing a merchant fleet under the Danish flag. Therefore Denmark maintains a constant focus on ensuring favourable framework conditions for the Danish fleet. This means:

  • Focus on quality shipping
  • Significant safety records and high standards
  • A tonnage taxation system for shipping businesses
  • Tax exemption for seafarers on DIS ships
  • Flag State administration with a high level of service
  • This site and subsequent sub-pages provides you with a general overview of the simple steps you need to take to transfer or build your ships within the Danish International Ship Register.

Transferring to or building your ships within the Danish International Ship Register - the simple steps

To transfer to or build your ships within the Danish International Ship Register, you will need to follow a line of simple steps. The steps are not necessarily in the proposed order, but presented as a guiding tool to facilitate your shipping business establishment.

Ship registration

We are always willing to offer a free and non-binding information meeting to shipowners or others interested in choosing the Danish flag.

Ship registration

Point of Contact

We provide a free Point of Contact (PoC) arrangement for shipowners flying ships under Danish flag.

Point of Contact

Manning

​All Danish ships in international trade must have a Minimum Safe Manning Document issued by the DMA.

Manning

Contact

Blue Growth and Maritime Policy