Danish Government Seizes Ferry Port After Purchase Blocked

The Danish government will seize a key ferry port after authorities blocked its purchase. Slagelse Municipality cannot sell Halskov Ferry Port to the state. The Appeals Board rejected the sale in early October. The board ruled emergency preparedness concerns did not justify selling the port without public tender. The Transport Ministry now plans to expropriate the port instead. This action uses emergency powers legislation. The ministry announced the move in a press release. The law allows expropriation of property for emergency preparedness tasks. The government wants control of Halskov Ferry Port during crisis situations. This would be crucial if the Great Belt Bridge closes. An official notice states the purpose clearly. The state needs to restore and maintain traffic across the Great Belt during long-term bridge closures. This would require emergency ferry operations with necessary port facilities. The government previously used the same approach at Knudshoved Harbor. This marks the second time the state has seized a harbor through emergency powers. The situation shows how governments can bypass normal procedures when they claim security needs. The municipality loses potential sale revenue while the state gains control without payment.