Denmark looks to scrap registration fees for merchant vessels

Currently, when registering a ship in Denmark, a one-time fee of one per thousandth of the value of a ship is charged, plus a mortgage registration fee, representing one per thousandth of the value of the deposit.    The Danish government is looking to eliminate the registration fee for merchant ships in order to increase the number of vessels flying the Danish flag, according to the trade and employer organization Danish Shipping.
   Currently, when registering a ship in Denmark, a one-time fee of one per thousandth of the value of a ship is charged, plus a mortgage registration fee, representing one per thousandth of the value of the deposit.
   In some competing countries, a far lower amount is charged, which is something that can slow the growth of new ships under Danish flag, according to Danish Shipping.
   The government has proposed to abolish the special fee on second-hand ships, thereby removing a cost which today makes it less attractive for shipping companies to register newly purchased second-hand ships under Danish flag.
   In a presentation on the measures, Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Brian Mikkelsen said that the proposal would help the nation in the coming years.
   “The Danish maritime cluster is growing, so it is also an investment in the future as we can help attract activities to the country,” he said.
   The government’s new measures could also make it more attractive for shipping companies to register newly purchased second-hand ships under Danish flag.
   “Today, it can be three to four times more expensive to register a ship in Denmark than in Singapore. The better the conditions offered by Denmark, the higher the probability that more ships will fly the Danish flag,” Jan Rindbo, CEO of the shipping company Norden said. “I see it as an important matter for the entire shipping industry.”