19 January 2025 – The media Bornholm.nu publishes an article under the headline “Captains concerned about the safety of the Port of Rønne”. In the article, Molslinjen claims that it is unsafe to call at the Port of Rønne, that there are no markings at the entrance and that there is insufficient lighting in parts of the port area. The Port of Rønne is of the opinion that the accusations made by the shipping company are completely unjustified. The Port of Rønne strongly distances itself from the views expressed, and is of the opinion that the port is safe to call at and sail to, both now and in the future.
The Port of Rønne is currently carrying out a future-proofing of the port, among other things with the aim of maintaining security of supply on Bornholm. The last two stages of this construction work began in December 2023 and are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.
In connection with the construction works, the Port of Rønne has prepared and launched initiatives aimed at maintaining safe operations during the significant works. This includes, among other things, the establishment of a special Task Force with the involvement of the most important stakeholders who use the port. These stakeholders include, for example, Molslinjen, Danpilot (pilot), the contractor MT Højgaard and the Port of Rønne with its client advisor for the construction works. This forum has been established with the aim of identifying any challenges so that they can be addressed in a timely manner.
The special Task Force has met every other week over the past year, and here, among other things, the construction work for the coming period and these possible influences on traffic flow are discussed. Here, the stakeholders jointly make decisions on, for example, moving buoys, establishing new buoys, better lighting, etc. Any issues raised, including by the Molslinjen, have been taken care of immediately. Adjustments to work areas and changes to buoy locations are also approved by the Danish Maritime Authority and the changes are recorded in Efterretninger For Søfarende and published in the electronic charts.
In addition, the stakeholders hold a team meeting every morning to review the day’s work and traffic, ensuring that activities are fully under control. This ensures that the stakeholders involved can handle any challenges.
Prior to the construction work, the Port of Rønne has also carried out navigation simulations together with, among others, several captains from Molslinjen’s fast ferries. In addition, captains from conventional ferries, offshore and cruise ships participated. The simulations included sailing under even very strong wind conditions. In addition, navigation was simulated both during the construction work and for the completed port. The simulations show that the Port of Rønne is safe to sail.
After the information in the article came to light, the Port of Rønne has been in contact with the chief captain of Molslinjen, who is also part of the aforementioned Task Force work. He confirms that we have a close collaboration to create the most optimal conditions when navigating the Port of Rønne, including that it is handled continuously under the auspices of the established cooperation forums, and the inherent process for dialogue and handling of the construction works. This collaboration is important, and we want to continue that.
Therefore, the Port of Rønne can reject the views that the conditions for safe sailing in the port are not present.
The safety of calling at and navigating the Port of Rønne is paramount – we do not compromise on that.
