A coalition of mayors from North Jutland (Nordjylland) is urging the Danish Government to construct the country’s next-generation naval vessels domestically—and specifically in their region. The proposal comes as defence policymakers in Copenhagen evaluate future acquisitions for the Royal Danish Navy in the coming weeks.
The initiative is spearheaded by Business Region North, a strategic collaboration between the 11 municipalities of North Jutland and Region Nordjylland. The mayors argue that their region offers both the industrial capacity and the skilled workforce necessary for large-scale shipbuilding.
“This is an opportunity for regions like ours to grow and receive new jobs,” said Per Bach Laursen (V), Mayor of Vesthimmerland and chairman of Business Region North.
A strategic opportunity for Danish industry
One of the key scenarios under consideration in the national defence agreement (forsvarsforliget) is whether future naval vessels should be built entirely or partially in Denmark. The North Jutland mayors are strongly in favour of the national option and are now lobbying lawmakers to take regional capabilities into account.
The North Jutland region has long been associated with maritime industries, and local authorities believe that building the ships there would not only enhance national security but also reinforce Denmark’s industrial base.
Defence investments could reshape regional economies
The shipbuilding proposal aligns with broader national discussions on increasing self-sufficiency in defence production in light of geopolitical instability and NATO obligations. Building vessels at home could secure jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
By bringing such projects to North Jutland, mayors hope to strengthen the region’s economic resilience and attract long-term investment.
