As part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Invest in Denmark is the Nordic nation’s national investment promotion organization, offering exclusive, tailored solutions to international firms wanting to establish a new business in Denmark or expand an existing one.
Invest in Denmark offers firms a custom-made option for placing their business in Denmark, contributing to the overall success of investors in Denmark. They offer tailor-made information and industry insights; comprehensive benchmarking analyses; advice on general and sector-specific framework conditions in Denmark; contact to potential partners, research communities, public authorities and the private sector; customized fact-finding tours; guidance on setting up a company in Denmark; and select aftercare programs to grow the business once it has been set up in Denmark.
Vanessa Vega Saenz Director at Invest in Denmark gave Bridges an overview of the current investment climate in Denmark.
Bridges: Could you provide an overview of Denmark’s investment climate, particularly within the maritime sector and Cleantech industries? How does Denmark position itself as an attractive destination for international investors in these areas?
Vanessa Vega Saenz: Denmark is a small, open economy with a rich trade and business history, as well as a focus on the green transition and innovative solutions, to that end. The maritime sector has always been important to Denmark.
Denmark is a global leader in the development of ship engines, research into green fuels, ship design, and the management of port infrastructure. Denmark’s maritime sector is at the forefront of the green transition; particularly, in relation to offshore wind, sustainable fuels, energy efficiency and carbon storage. We are also pioneers in digitalization, with a specific focus on the use of drones, robotics, and autonomous solutions. These elements attract many inbound investments within the maritime sector and the Cleantech space.
Denmark’s maritime sector is at the forefront of the green transition; particularly, in relation to offshore wind, sustainable fuels, energy efficiency and carbon storage.
Vanessa Vega Saenz, Director at Invest in Denmark
With a focus on green fuels for the shipping sector, what specific initiatives or policies has Denmark implemented to foster innovation and investment in sustainable maritime technologies? How do these initiatives contribute to the country’s long-term goals for environmental sustainability and economic growth?
It is a political priority, for Denmark to remain a strong maritime hub, and, simultaneously, to be a pioneering country in making the sector green.
As one of the largest shipping nations in the world, Denmark has a responsibility to drive the development towards climate-neutral shipping, globally. In collaboration with governments and organizations, Denmark is proactively working to achieve the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal of reaching climate neutrality by or around, i.e. close to, 2050.
We are proud that Danish companies are also setting ambitious standards for the industry’s green transition; for example, by ordering container ships running on green methanol. This is important, because to bring to zero the number of emission vessels at sea involves the entire maritime value chain, from ship owners and fuel producers to port and terminal operators. With high-aiming political objectives and initiatives, ambitious private actors, and a high level of innovation and development, Denmark positions itself as an attractive hub for maritime companies.
Could you share some examples of recent Japanese investment in Denmark’s maritime and Cleantech sectors? What factors do you believe attract Japanese investors to Denmark, and how do these investments contribute to strengthening bilateral partnerships and advancing technological innovation?
Japan and Denmark share many interests and are enhancing bilateral cooperation to solve mutual challenges. It is essential for Danish maritime manufacturers and the industry to build and maintain strong connections with other nations; in particular, with those that excel in advanced technological innovation.
Japan and Denmark share many interests and are enhancing bilateral cooperation to solve mutual challenges.
Denmark recognizes Japanese expertise in tech and digitalization, ship building, vessels, and hydrogen. We see a potential for Danish and Japanese companies to collaborate on global projects that enhance the efficiency and green transition of the maritime sector.
In recent years, several Danish companies have made partnerships with Japanese companies investing in green fuels and renewable energy production. Some examples of recent Japanese investment in Denmark’s maritime and Cleantech sectors are Sumitomo Corporation, Tokyo Gas, Mitsui and Mitsubishi HC Capital.
In your opinion, what are the most promising opportunities for Japanese and international investors interested in the Danish maritime and Cleantech industries?
Denmark is one of the leading maritime hubs in Europe and has a strongly rooted tradition as a maritime nation. Denmark can be a test bed for maritime technologies with many partners, an attractive talent pool and research force, and can provide test and demonstration facilities. Decarbonization of shipping and digital solutions create promising opportunities for Japanese and other international investors looking towards Denmark.
