Helsingør has been given the green light to combat boat wrecks in the northern harbour. After a four-year process, the competent transport authority adopted the relevant regulations at the suggestion of Helsingør City Council.
The new rules come into force just in time for the start of the season and, for the first time, give harbour master Jan Christensen a concrete tool in the fight against so-called "døde både" - dead boats. This refers to sailing and motor yachts and boats that are neither maintained nor used. This problem has now become a real burden in many Danish harbours. In Helsingør, around ten berths in the water and on land are currently occupied in this way.
Clear rules
The previous regulation left too much room for interpretation. "Previously, there was legal uncertainty due to a large margin of discretion. Now the regulations state that we must allow a period of 14 days and that an action plan must be drawn up that the owner must comply with if we at the harbour believe that the boat is no longer seaworthy," explains Jan Christensen to the daily newspaper Helsingør Dagblad. If the owner fails to do so, the boat will be evicted. The regulation applies equally to boats in the water and those on land.
Financial risks
It is true that the harbour authority has to accept financial losses with this approach: If, for example, the costs of scrapping are covered, there is no guarantee of reimbursement by the owner. Abandoned boats or insolvent owners mean direct losses for the harbour treasury.
Nevertheless, the administration is focussing on the consistent implementation of the new regulation. However, the priority is now clearly on releasing the moorings. The timing of the authorisation is therefore very timely - preparations for the season are already underway and demand for moorings is increasing.
Defined seaworthiness
The harbour authority must carefully check the technical condition and roadworthiness of the watercraft in question. The new regulations help with this, as they precisely define when a boat is no longer considered seaworthy.
If a watercraft is obviously no longer able to sail, it is undoubtedly subject to the new regulation. The 14-day period gives owners time for repairs or sale. If there is no corresponding action plan, the harbour authority may take action on its own. An exception is made for boats that are in winter storage or are currently occupying the berth for repairs.
Liberating blow for Danish harbours
Helsingør is not alone with its problem in the northern harbour. The operators of many Danish marinas are struggling with the same problem. The new regulation could therefore become a model for other municipalities.
The four-year development process of the new administrative regulation shows the complexity of such harbour regulations. Trafikstyrelsen had to overcome legal concerns and listen to various interest groups. Now, however, the harbour masters finally have an effective instrument against junk boats. Their owners are responsible for their condition or have to live with the consequences.
