An ocean of knowledge

As a maritime nation with long traditions, Denmark has developed a very diverse merchant fleet, specialising in many different sectors. Therefore there is more than one association for shipowners, but they all complement each other and the Danish Shipowners' Association is the largest.

The Danish Shipowners Association represents the 19 largest Danish shipping companies and 18 associated companies, all characterised by operating activities from Denmark, but not necessarily having tonnage under Danish flag. Jointly the members represent more than 95 percent of the Danish merchant fleet tonnage. In addition, the Danish Shipowners’ Association represents two offshore companies.

For more than 125 years the Danish Shipowners’ Association has been representing the interests of the shipping industry and acting as an employer organisation for its members. Today the Danish Shipowners' Association is playing an active role in relation to authorities and decision-makers both domestically and internationally. The Association participates in all relevant contexts and has its own office in Brussels.

The Danish shipping industry is not only important for the Danish economy. It is also a strong player on the global stage. Actually the Danish shipping industry carries more than ten percent of the total world trade, measured in terms of value, and it controls about seven percent of the total world tonnage.

Furthermore Danish shipping is of the very highest quality. Not only because the Danish merchant fleet is much younger than the average global fleet but also because it has chosen to position itself in advanced high-value areas such as container vessels, product tankers, gas carriers and special services.

Even smaller shipping companies have active associations, which all have much to offer. You can read more about the Danish Shipowners’ Association and the shipping industry on the following pages.