This map was compiled from different international sources such as EMODnet, EEA or Marine Regions. Information obtained from these sources was cross-checked with data from national sources. While compilation was carried out by the European MSP Platform, validation and quality assurance remain the responsibility of the primary data sources.
Basic facts on Marine Waters
Relevant links
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.
Latest MSP developments
The maritime spatial plan was reviewed based on a proposal from the Danish Maritime Authority to increase the offshore energy and biodiversity targets in the national MSP. An agreement on the new targets was reached by the Danish Parliament in the summer of 2023.
Public consultation on the draft MSP amendments and the environmental assessment was launched in November 2023 for a period of ten weeks until February 2024.
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency reviewed the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the amendments to the Danish MSP until February 2024, in accordance with the convention on environmental impact assessment in a transboundary context (Espoo-Convention).
Next steps
Post February 2024, the results of the public and transboundary consultation will feed the finalisation of Denmark's revised MSP.
For more information please click here
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:
The Danish MSP Secretariat
Danish Maritime Authority
E-mail: havplan
dma.dk (havplan[at]dma[dot]dk)
For more information
For more information regarding the evolution of the MSP process in Denmark please see the dedicated country profile below.