CEO of Business Lolland-Falster, Mikkel Wesselhoff, is not impressed by the case regarding the shipping lane in Nakskov Fjord. As we have described over the past few days, Nakskov Port has been waiting for more than six years for a dumping permit, so the port can begin a much-needed deepening and straightening of the shipping lane through Nakskov Fjord. And six years is too much:
– Six years is a very long time, and such a slow processing time does not promote business development. Companies have a legitimate expectation that their applications will be handled both thoroughly and quickly. In this case, it is unreasonable that it has been dragged out for so long and is taking so much time, says Mikkel Wesselhoff.
The port is an important trump card
Nakskov Port is one of the most important trump cards for Business Lolland-Falster in its efforts to attract new businesses and investments to Lolland-Falster. That’s why this case hurts extra, explains the CEO:
– Nakskov Port and the surrounding business areas play a very important strategic role for both existing companies and the new companies we work every day to attract. Access to a modern large port with sufficient depth is absolutely crucial for the new companies that are on their way to Nakskov. That’s why the port’s plan to expand and deepen the shipping lane through Nakskov Fjord is the right move, and they have been proactive with the project. Therefore, it’s particularly frustrating that this delay is threatening the green transition and positive business development on Lolland-Falster, says Mikkel Wesselhoff.
Vestas could be affected
Finally, Mikkel Wesselhoff and Business Lolland-Falster are concerned that the lack of deepening and straightening of the shipping lane could impact wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, which is incredibly important for Lolland:
– Vestas is an important and large employer on Lolland-Falster. The company is experiencing significant growth at Nakskov Port, where they are expected to reach 900 employees by the end of 2024. That’s almost 300 new employees in a short period, and it’s due to the new and very long blades that the factory will deliver to customers via the waterway. They could face major challenges if the deepening and expansion of the shipping lane in Nakskov Fjord doesn’t start soon. Therefore, a quick resolution and permit for the port is crucial, concludes Mikkel Wesselhoff.
