Maritime Security

Denmark is a small country, but one of the world's leading maritime nations. Denmark's position in global shipping means that the absence of maritime security in even remote parts of the world poses a serious threat to Danish interests, both shipping companies and ships' crews. Threats to the right to freedom of navigation also increasingly pose a security challenge because it affects other key areas of society such as economic growth and energy supply. Open, safe and free sea routes are important for global trade and security of supply, and Denmark has a strong interest in protecting the right to freedom of navigation.

Global Strategy for Maritime Security

Global Strategy for Maritime Security sets the direction for and ensures a coordinated Danish effort for global maritime security. It ensures that the Danish instruments and efforts to counter threats to the freedom of navigation are coordinated.



Maritime security threats can originate from crime and target or exploit shipping routes and commercial shipping, such as piracy and armed robbery at sea, as well as illegal transport of illicit goods such as drugs. In addition, there are threats that originate from crime but do not directly target commercial shipping, such as illegal fishing and destruction of the marine environment through dumping, for example. An increasing number of attacks against civilian shipping in areas such as the Red Sea have also highlighted how international conflicts involving state-sponsored actors can restrict freedom of navigation due to fighting or direct attacks.


 

Read the full strategy

Read more about maritime security threats and Denmark's instruments and efforts to counter them.

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