The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) has entered a common agreement with Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) regarding the safety standards to be met by passenger vessels and ferries operating in Flensborg Fjord.
The newly signed deal outlines the scope of safety standards for passenger vessel and ferry companies travelling within the region, which are set to require operators to include lifejackets, life rafts and other necessary fire safety equipments on-board their ships.
Germany inland water way vessels will be allowed to carry passengers, use Danish ports and provide services on both the Danish and German part of Flensborg Fjord upon meeting the new regulations.
Denmark industry, business and financial affairs minister Brian Mikkelsen said: “I am very pleased that the agreement establishes clear guidelines for ships that want to carry passengers between Denmark and Germany on Flensborg Fjord.
“Previously, different regulations in the two countries have been a source of great frustration for the ship owners affected.
“The agreement also meets a demand by the tourist industry and the local community to make it easier for these ships to be approved for the benefit of the tourist and business sectors, as well as the region.”
Germany also expects to meet the demand expressed by the country’s inland navigation industry, tourism sector as well as the cities and local authorities under the new arrangement.
The deal will also help promote business in the region by allowing the German operators to offer passenger service on the entire Flensborg Fjord.
DMA previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the maritime authorities in Singapore and Norway to cooperate on the issuing of digital certificates.
Image: Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) representatives. Photo: courtesy of Danish Maritime Authority.
