Sund & Bælt and Odense Port enter exclusive agreement on future partnership for Fehmarnbelt project facilities

Odense Port and Sund & Bælt have signed an agreement on an exclusive negotiation process. Through this agreement, the two publicly owned companies will explore the opportunities for a future partnership on the development and operation of the Fehmarnbelt project’s production facilities and work harbour near Rødbyhavn on the Danish island of Lolland.

The production facilities were built for manufacturing the tunnel elements for the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel. With large climate-controlled production halls, dry docks, storage areas, basins and a work harbour with access to the sea, motorway and railway network, the site offers significant potential for large-scale maritime and industrial activities. The facilities and harbour cost more than DKK 7 billion to construct, and the Danish Parliament has decided that the area should be repurposed for new uses.

“We have invested more than DKK 7 billion in building a unique production facility for the world’s largest immersed tunnel. Our task now is to ensure that the site continues to create value and long-term employment on Lolland long after the tunnel has been completed. Odense Port is a strong commercial partner with unique experience from the transformation of the Lindø Shipyard,” says Mikkel Hemmingsen, CEO of Sund & Bælt.

For Odense Port, its experience in creating business activity and growth is a key driver. The port has extensive expertise in this area and today operates a thriving business park and industrial cluster at Lindø, supporting more than 2,600 permanent jobs.

“When we took over the Lindø Shipyard more than ten years ago, we were faced with a large industrial area with enormous potential. Today, the site is full of activity and jobs. We see similar opportunities in Rødbyhavn and look forward to working with Sund & Bælt and Lolland Municipality to explore how the facilities can create new value, both locally and for Odense Port, while helping to address major tasks that are also in the interests of the Danish state,” says Peter Rahbæk Juel, Vice Chairman of Odense Port and Mayor of Odense.

The ambition is to develop the facilities into a future-proof port complex, increase local job creation and establish a strong national hub for sectors including the offshore wind industry. The negotiation agreement is founded on a shared ambition to maintain local and regional business activity and employment while strengthening Denmark’s leading position in areas such as renewable energy and offshore wind. This ambition is strongly supported by Marie-Louise Brehm Nielsen, Mayor of Lolland Municipality.

“The production facilities for the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel have been a major asset for Lolland. With the decision to make the facilities permanent in 2023, the Danish Parliament took the first important step towards securing the future of the Fehmarnbelt project’s factory. Today’s agreement between Odense Port and Sund & Bælt marks another important step towards creating lasting growth and development in the area. Lolland Municipality welcomes the agreement and looks forward to being part of the new partnership,” says Marie-Louise Brehm Nielsen.

Negotiations on the partnership
The parties are now commencing negotiations, with the expectation that a final agreement can be concluded by 2028 at the latest. The forthcoming negotiations will clarify matters such as ownership structures, the financial model underpinning a final agreement, operational arrangements, development plans and the necessary approvals. Potential future activities include maritime and industrial operations, offshore wind projects and defence-related activities.

Facts about the facilities

The production facilities and work harbour were established as part of the Fehmarnbelt project
The total potential development area on the Danish island of Lolland covers 8 million square metres and includes the construction site's production halls, port facilities, dry docks, basins and storage areas, as well as a new industrial park north of the construction site.
The facilities have direct access to the sea, motorway and railway network, as well as the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel to Germany.
The factory and harbour cost approximately DKK 7 billion to construct
During the construction phase, the Fehmarnbelt project employs up to 4,000 people.

Facts about Odense Port

Odense Port is Denmark’s largest commercial port by area, covering 8.5 million m².
The port is home to more than 120 companies employing around 2,600 people.
94% of Odense Port’s existing building stock, totalling more than 250,000 m², is leased.
89% of the port’s prepared land areas are leased.
Since 2014, Odense Port has invested more than DKK 1.5 billion in new infrastructure and building capacity.