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Denmark

MSP EU Legend 3

Basic facts on Marine Waters

  • Danish sea covers a total area of 105,000 km2, including its marine internal waters covering 3,500 km2 and its territorial sea out to 12 nautical miles (as defined by UNCLOS) covering 40,000 km2
  • Its Exclusive Economic Zone (as defined by UNCLOS) covers 61,500 km2
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Maritime Spatial Plan(s) 

Status: Adopted

Denmark adopted and launched its Maritime Spatial Plan in March 2021. The Danish MSP was issued as an executive order and is therefore legally binding. 

The Danish MSP, through the Geographical Information System (GIS), is available here

The Danish MSP is the first legally binding digital map of Denmark and the Danish waters. 

View the brochure on Legally Binding Digital Maps here (in English)

Prior to 2021, Denmark did not have a holistic spatial plan for the sea, however, a range of sectoral plans have been in use. These plans have provided key contributions to the MSP planning process in Denmark. 

MSP legislation

The EU MSP Directive is transposed into national legislation throught the Maritime Spatial Planning Act, which establishes the framework for spatial planning in the Danish marine areas. 

National MSP authority

Denmark's competent authority for MSP, Danish Maritime Authority (DMA), Ministry of Business and Growth.

Contacts:

Danish Maritime Authority

Blue Growth and Maritime Policy

Henrik Skovmark, Chief Special Adviser

Phone: +45 72 19 63 81

E-mail: havplanatdma.dk

For more information: