UN/LOCODE: DKSVE📍 Denmark

Port of Svendborg (UN/LOCODE DKSVE)

❖ Coordinates: 55.0674°N, 10.6073°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Copenhagen

❖ UN/LOCODE: DKSVE

## About the Port The Port of Svendborg (UN/LOCODE: DKSVE) is a multifunctional municipal harbour situated on the southern littoral of Funen (Fyn), within Region Syddanmark, Denmark. Geographically positioned at 55.067434° N latitude and 10.607282° E longitude, the port operates under the Europe/Copenhagen timezone (UTC+1, with daylight saving UTC+2). Svendborg Harbour forms a sheltered anchorage within the South Funen Archipelago (Sydfynske Øhav), affording natural protection from prevailing westerly winds and direct nautical access to the Baltic Sea via Svendborg Sund and the Great Belt. The port is governed by Svendborg Havn A/S, a municipally owned entity tasked with navigational safety, infrastructure maintenance, and commercial development. According to the Danish Maritime Authority↗, the port is categorized as a regional short-sea and ferry terminal with statutory obligations under the Danish Ports Act. Annually, the harbour records approximately 4,500 vessel calls, including Ro-Ro ferries, coastal traders, fishing boats, and leisure craft. Its integrated basins—Commercial, Ferry, Fishing, and Marina—support a blended traffic portfolio unmatched in the southern Funen region. ## History Svendborg’s maritime legacy originates in the Viking Age, with archaeological evidence of a trading site at the mouth of the Svendborg Sund. The settlement received formal town privileges in 1253, rapidly evolving into a Hanseatic auxiliary port specializing in herring, timber, and grain. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Svendborg merchants operated fluyts and galliots trading with Lübeck, Amsterdam, and Bergen. The port’s modern transformation began with the arrival of the railway in 1876, connecting the quays to the Danish state rail grid and enabling efficient exports of agricultural produce from Funen’s hinterland. The Ærø steam ferry service commenced in 1898, establishing Svendborg as the permanent logistical link to the island of Ærø. During World War II, the harbour sheltered resistance smuggling operations and later served as a debarkation point for Allied relief. Post-1960, declining bulk trades prompted diversification into yachting and tourism, culminating in the construction of Scandinavia’s then-largest marina in 1976. Continuous modernization has preserved Svendborg’s relevance amid shifting maritime paradigms. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Quays and Berths Svendborg Harbour extends over 2,600 meters of quay wall, with alongside depths from 3.5 m to 8.5 m. The ferry terminal accommodates vessels up to 110 m LOA with dedicated bow and stern ramps. The commercial quay handles coasters up to 6.5 m draft, while the fishing harbour provides 400 m of specialized berthing with ice plants and auction halls. ### Cargo Handling Equipment Mobile harbor cranes (max 120 t), reachstackers, and specialized fish-handling lifts are available. Covered storage spans 14,000 m², including bonded and refrigerated warehouses. A bulk apron with pneumatic conveyors manages grain, feed, and aggregates at 200 t/h. ### Nautical and Technical Services The port operates VHF Ch 12, 24/7 pilotage coordination, and ISPS-compliant access control. Bunkering (MGO, HFO) is provided by truck; a 600 t travel lift and dry dock service the fleet. Shore power connections are being installed to reduce emissions. Detailed berth data is published on the official Port of Svendborg website↗. ### Passenger and Marina The ferry terminal includes customs, Schengen border facilities, and a passenger lounge. The marina offers 820 berths, fuel, and waste reception. ## Economic Importance Svendborg Port underpins the southern Funen economy, sustaining 1,300 jobs in handling, ferry operation, ship repair, and tourism. Annual turnover exceeds €40 million. Ferry traffic moves 320,000 passengers and 85,000 vehicles, vital for Ærø’s tourism. The port exports dairy, machinery, and fish; imports fertilizer, timber, and construction aggregates. It hosts maritime education (MARcodan) and serves as a crew transfer base for Baltic offshore wind farms, aligning with Denmark’s Green Shipping strategy. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Shipping Lanes Vessels depart Svendborg Sund to the Baltic, linking Ærøskøbing (5 NM), Marstal, and German ports (Flensburg, Kiel). Feeders connect via Great Belt to Copenhagen and Fredericia for deep-sea transshipment. ### Cargo Mix - **Ro-Ro Ferry**: vehicles, perishable freight, industrial parts (45% of tonnage). - **Dry Bulk**: grain, cement, sand (30%). - **Breakbulk**: steel, wind components (15%). - **Fisheries**: fresh/frozen fish, shellfish (8%). - **Liquid**: fuels (2%). Total throughput ~420,000 t/year. Svendborg’s balanced model demonstrates resilience and ecological stewardship.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

DKSVE

Country

Denmark

Province / Region

Region Syddanmark

Latitude

55.067434

Longitude

10.607282

Timezone

Europe/Copenhagen

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Svendborg?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Svendborg is DKSVE.

Where is Port of Svendborg located?

The Port of Svendborg is located in Denmark, Region Syddanmark. Its coordinates are 55.0674°N, 10.6073°E.

What time zone is Port of Svendborg in?

Port of Svendborg operates in the Europe/Copenhagen time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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