Once production of elements for the Fehmarn Belt tunnel is completed, the factory and construction harbour in Rødbyhavn are to be used for new activities.
Sund & Bælt is now exploring a possible partnership with Odense Port over the future of the facilities. At the same time, Femern Belt Development is continuing its work to attract companies, with defence production seen as a particular opportunity both in Rødbyhavn and in South Zealand.
The organisation is already in contact with several German defence companies, says CEO Stig Rømer Winther.
- We are pursuing every opportunity vigorously, both in Denmark and abroad. We currently have several interesting discussions with major players in the German defence industry, which in time could become a cornerstone of future production on the Danish side of the Fehmarn Belt, he says.
Agreement changes nothing
Monday’s agreement means that Sund & Bælt is negotiating exclusively with Odense Port about a possible partnership. Other companies can still express an interest in using the area.
- Interested companies are still very welcome to contact us or Odense Port. The agreement does not close the door to any type of activity, says Jens Villemoes, Head of Press at Sund & Bælt.
Stig Rømer Winther sees Odense Port’s experience with major international companies as an asset that could benefit the area in the longer term.
- The agreement changes nothing here and now. It is an agreement that looks to the future, but it is clear that we are bringing a commercially strong partner on board. Over the coming months and years, we will work with Odense Port to develop a plan and strategy for how we can jointly make the most of the business opportunities on both Lolland and South Zealand, he says.
There is still no final agreement on a sale, ownership or operation of the facilities. The aim is to reach an agreement by 2028 at the latest.
