Although it does not belong to the Scandinavian peninsula, Denmark is the smallest and southernmost state in Scandinavia and is part of the Danish Realm together with Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
For centuries, the Danish economy has been closely linked to shipping. The conformation of the land, characterised by 8,750 km of coastline with a total area of 43,094 sq.km, influences this trend. Lakes and freshwater courses, occupying an area of 700 sq.km, complete the scenery.
The fish trade, especially off the coast of Selandia, Denmark’s main island, contributed to the nation’s economic growth and helped the city of Copenhagen evolve into Denmark’s capital.
Danish boating industry
Today, the Danish Boating Industry is very strong. There are shipyards, boat suppliers and designers, and companies dedicated to boating that provide equipment, services and technology. According to Danish Maritime, 87% of Danish companies dedicated to boating also have branches in other countries. Furthermore, 45% of Danish marine companies are dedicated to innovation compared to 20% of Danish companies in other sectors.
Recreational boating is also strong in Denmark, it is appreciated and is a fairly large sector considering the country’s limited size, with a population of just over 5.9 million.
In the Covid years, boating holidays along the Danish coast were popular with residents. Since 2022, the number of foreign crews choosing to sail around Denmark has increased and reached the quota that characterised the pre-Covid years. In particular, there are many sailors from Germany.
Evolving marinas
Among the most popular marinas in Denmark are those in Funen, Selandia, Ærø and Als. In 2022, Danish marinas had almost 1.2 million overnight stays, a number that had never been reached in the previous 15 years and was further surpassed when considering that in 2024 the figure rose to almost 1.9 million. More than half of the guests came from abroad.
The boating boom of recent years has led many marinas to be expanded, renovated and modernised. In increasingly crowded harbours, especially in the high season, the waiting lists for permanent moorings are long; hence the need for expansion in some marinas has become inevitable. Larger and more modern marina facilities, however, are at odds with the need for peace, nature and relaxation that tourists often seek during a holiday in Denmark. Consequently, marina operators have to find a balance between larger, more comfortable facilities and respect for the natural environment. In some cases, large and architecturally prestigious projects have already been realised, such as the Maritime Centre in Esbjerg, southern Denmark, with a new harbour entrance and coastal protection measures to minimise the impact on the environment. These developments are shaping the new generation of Sustainable Marinas.
Associations
According to FLID, the Association of Marinas in Denmark (whose members include marinas of all sizes, which together hold 90% of all berths in the country), the development of marinas is proceeding very fast. In addition to traditional port operations and seafarer assistance, marinas today also have to provide competent personnel in the areas of tourism, marketing, communication, recreation, security and much more. The skill requirements of port employees and boards are increasing and training activities in the sector are leading to the development of new professional skills. This year, FLID celebrates 25 years in business, a quarter of a century in which marinas have developed rapidly.
Sailing enthusiasts in Denmark, on the other hand, have their own professional association in the Danish Sailing Union. Founded in 1913 by Danish amateur clubs who wanted to create a link between them, today the association includes Olympic sailors, regatta sailors, touring sailors and also looks after children and young people. Today, the Danish Sailing Union comprises 273 clubs and is also involved in recreational sailing.
Sustainability and security
An important topic, to which the Danish yachting industry is paying close attention, is sustainability. From large commercial or passenger ships to recreational boating, the topic of “green transition” is considered fundamental. Coping with climate change, greenhouse gas problems and pollution is a challenge that the nautical sector is also taking up. The aim, therefore, is to build less polluting boats. For example, work is being done on innovative, environmentally friendly fuels and new types of engines to make the most of them. These are key initiatives in Marine Innovation.
There is also a strong focus on technological innovations such as autonomous vessels, digitisation, new on-board features and safety.
It is precisely security that is considered a key issue on board the vessel, but also at port level, as the Danish Minister of Transport, Thomas Danielsen, presented the new ‘National Guidelines for Port Security’ last November.
According to the minister, port security is not only the responsibility of the port, the municipality or the state. It is everyone’s responsibility, which is why it is important for everyone in the port to do their part to ensure it, both in marinas and in commercial ports.
Trade fair events for suppliers and enthusiasts
One of the most important nautical fairs in Denmark is the DenmarkBoatShow, which this year took place in Fredericia, Jutland, during the last weekend in February and the first weekend in March. Now in its twenty-ninth year, this event has become an institution for both suppliers to the nautical sector and the many boat enthusiasts.
Instead, the Copenhagen boat show, which will take place between 28 and 31 August 2025, is a popular boat show for boat enthusiasts, who can find a large number of new and used boats. It will be possible to admire the latest in equipment, electronics, engines and clothing for life on board, while on deck and on the floating decks, there will be boats, in the water, from various dealers.
The last edition of the event, in August 2024, was attended by more than 10,000 visitors; the hope is to welcome more this year.
| In 2023, Denmark is in 18th place among the EU countries that Italy exports pleasure and sports boats to. |
Italian export of recreational and sporting boats to the EU-27 countries values in millions of euros, ranking by export value in 2023
| Rank | Country | 2022 | 2023 | Var % |
| 1 | France | 395,3 | 421,1 | 6,50% |
| 2 | Malta | 179,3 | 235 | 31,30% |
| 3 | Spain | 93,3 | 103,2 | 10,70% |
| 4 | Netherla | 38,1 | 57,9 | 51,80% |
| 5 | Croatia | 63 | 57,4 | -8,90% |
| 6 | Greece | 24,9 | 51,50% | 106,40% |
| 7 | Cyprus | 72,2 | 43,4 | -39,90% |
| 8 | Germany | 29,5 | 31,6 | 7% |
| 9 | Portugal | 8,8 | 22,3 | 154,10% |
| 10 | Slovenia | 12,3 | 18,2 | 47,60% |
| 11 | Poland | 17 | 16,5 | -2,90% |
| 12 | Belgium | 8,6 | 12,8 | 49,20% |
| 13 | Bulgaria | 11,2 | 10,2 | -8,50% |
| 14 | Austria | 2,1 | 9,4 | 349,50% |
| 15 | The Czech Republic | 5,4 | 4,7 | -12,10% |
| 16 | Hungary | 1,5 | 2,2 | 41,30% |
| 17 | Finland | 2,3 | 1,6 | -29,80% |
| 18 | Denmark | 2,4 | 1,3 | -45,80% |
| 19 | Slovakia | 1,6 | 1,1 | -31,10% |
| 20 | Sweden | 8,7 | 1,1 | -87,70% |
| 21 | Romania | 2,4 | 1 | -60,10% |
| 22 | Estonia | 0,05 | 0,6 | 1227,90% |
| 23 | Irland | 0,6 | 0,6 | -5,70% |
| 24 | Luxenbourg | 0,2 | ||
| 25 | Latvia | 0,3 | 0,08 | -75,50% |
| 26 | Lithuania | 2,04 | ||
| Source: Edison Foundation processing of Istat data |
