The Consul General of the Royal Danish Embassy in Nigeria, Jette Bjerrum, has identified maritime transport, safety and security, shipbuilding, digitalisation, green technology solutions and deep data-driven services as key areas of opportunities to shape Denmark-Nigeria relations.

She stated that partnerships in these areas could strengthen value chains, improve operational efficiency and support better decision-making across the marine and blue economy sector.

Speaking at a recent gathering of maritime stakeholders in Lagos, Bjerrum reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria to advance sustainable and inclusive maritime development.

The envoy further lauded Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as a strong framework for sectoral development, adding that sustained stakeholder engagement would ensure inclusive and coordinated implementation.

Bjerrum said Denmark, long defined by its maritime heritage, was keenly interested in Nigeria’s evolving blue economy landscape and prospects for partnership, adding that both countries stand to benefit from deeper cooperation while contributing to global sustainability goals.

Describing Denmark as a nation of seafarers, she noted that the maritime sector has shaped the country’s identity over the past years, while undergoing significant modernisation driven by innovation, ecosystem integration, sustainable economic activities, strong governance and practical solutions.

The envoy said the marine and blue economy is increasingly recognised globally as a driver of sustainable growth, job creation, food security and climate resilience, stressing that unlocking its full potential requires coordinated efforts among governments, private sector players, regulators and investors.

“Denmark comes to this conversation as an up-and-standing maritime nation with experience across shipbuilding, shipping, port operations, fisheries, offshore energy and marine innovation,” she stated.

On maritime security, Bjerrum pointed to ongoing collaboration under the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Programme, which focuses on strengthening regional maritime domain awareness and response capabilities.

She disclosed that Denmark has reinforced its engagement by appointing a defence attaché in Nigeria as part of its Africa-focused strategy.

The Danish envoy also underscored the role of Danish private sector investments in Nigeria’s maritime industry, particularly through APM Terminals, which has maintained a presence in the country since 2006 with major investments in port and inland container terminal operations.

She revealed that about 180 Danish firms are represented under the Danish Maritime Organisation, expressing interest in expanding engagement with Nigeria through future visits and partnerships.

The Consul General further welcomed Nigeria’s recent efforts toward developing a National Maritime Decarbonisation Action Plan, noting that such initiatives are critical to positioning the country within the global transition to sustainable shipping.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, commended the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, citing significant progress in infrastructure development, digital transformation and human capacity building.

He identified infrastructure as a critical pillar of the reforms, stressing that its impact extends beyond physical assets.

Klinke specifically highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalise port infrastructure, including recent agreements aimed at repositioning key facilities, noting that such initiatives are vital to enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Klinke reaffirmed APM Terminals Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s maritime transformation and expressed optimism about continued progress in the sector.