Following the publication of OECD’s “The Ocean Economy in 2030” report , which shows that the offshore wind market will see strong growth by 2030, Danish Shipowners’ Association has called for extending sailor tax for wind turbine vessels, so that Denmark can maintain its leading position in the field.
The prediction from OECD economists that the number of offshore wind jobs will rise 12-fold by 2030 and the value added will be at 25 per cent annually holds enormous potential for Blue Denmark, which is a leader in setting up offshore wind, the Association said. However, this requires political action and creating proper framework conditions, said Jakob Ullegård, director of the Danish Shipowners’ Association.
“We have a number of successful companies in the field of offshore wind power in Denmark, so there will be jobs up for grabs, if we do it right. The growth of offshore wind is a global trend, so we must have the same conditions as foreign competitors. This requires that we extend sailor tax for offshore construction vessels ,” Ullegård said.
The government is aware of the challenge for Danish offshore shipping companies which have a disadvantage when it comes to tax conditions compared to shipping companies from the Netherlands, Germany and England. This must be solved if the Energy Minister Lars Christian Lilleholt’s vision of an offshore wind “Silicon Valley” in the North Sea is to be fulfilled, Danish shipowners said.
Several parties are positive about changing the rules and treasury rapporteur Brian Mikkelsen said the case could be resolved in the autumn budget, according to the Association.
Offshore WIND Staff