Denmark Søfartsstyrelsen

HNS Convention Ratified, Liability and Compensation for Chemical Spills at Sea

The HNS Convention on liability and compensation for pollution damage from ships carrying dangerous and noxious substances has been ratified by sufficient states (Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, France, Turkey, Norway, Slovakia, Estonia, South Africa) to enter into force in autumn 2027. The convention places objective liability on ship owners for cleanup costs and requires mandatory insurance of 10-100 million SDR (approximately 91-910 million DKK). All ships calling at Danish ports must carry a convention certificate verifying insurance coverage. An HNS Fund provides supplementary compensation up to 250 million SDR (approximately 2.2 billion DKK) for damages exceeding insurance limits, funded by contributions from companies importing HNS goods by sea.

Danish IMO Delegation Focuses on Ship Registration, Alternative Fuels

The Danish Maritime Authority participated in the IMO Legal Committee meeting, reporting adoption of new ship registration guidelines designed to combat false registries and non-compliant shipping. The delegation also initiated working groups on liability rules for alternative fuels including biofuel blends, coordination on abandoned seafarer cases, and a review of IMO instruments for legal gaps related to new maritime security threats. The HNS Convention on liability for hazardous and noxious substances is expected to enter into force in 2027.

Danish Maritime Authority Invites Public to User Survey with LEGO Model Ship Prize

The Danish Maritime Authority (Søfartsstyrelsen) is conducting a user survey to understand who its users are and how to better target its communications. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, and participants may enter a raffle for a LEGO model ship valued at 2,099 kr. Responses are treated confidentially and used solely to improve the authority's communication and user experience.