The UK-based development company Verdion is ready to invest DKK 7.5 billion in a new commercial area near Ringsted – iPort Zealand – which will strengthen Danish logistics, industry and business when the Fehmarn Belt connection is completed.
Verdion plans to develop iPort Zealand into Denmark’s leading intermodal hub on a 250-hectare site located at the country’s most important east-west and north-south rail corridor and close to the E20 motorway.
iPort Zealand will have an international freight terminal with transshipment of trailers, containers and swap bodies between road and rail.
Around the terminal, Verdion will build up to 57,000 square metres for logistics, advanced manufacturing, light industry and other business facilities, including high-tech and pharma, creating space for several thousand new jobs.
Importance of the Fehmarn Belt connection
Verdion CEO Michael Huges emphasises the importance of the Fehmarn Belt connection for the decision to make the multi-billion-kroner investment in Denmark:
“iPort Zealand will be an important new powerhouse for Danish business at a strategic location.
The Fehmarn Belt tunnel will have major significance in the Nordic region and Germany. It will open new supply routes and create opportunities across many sectors. Denmark must be well positioned to benefit from the economic growth – from jobs and services to customs and tax revenue.”
“This new business area will be a growth engine that turns better infrastructure into concrete gains for both the local area and the entire country. It will also improve access to major regional ports.”
“With modern freight handling, state-of-the-art buildings, the use of rail freight and a strong ESG focus, the project will create major positive effects throughout Denmark.”
“The tunnel construction is progressing, and therefore the land-based infrastructure must be ready before the trains start running. We have already made strong progress and have good dialogue locally and nationally. With partnerships in place, we stand strong and are ready to move forward with support from Ringsted Municipality,” says CEO Michael Huges.
Realising the potential
Stig Rømer Winther, Director of Femern Belt Development, is pleased that the plans for iPort Zealand have reached a stage where they can now be made public.
“Since early 2025, we have been involved in the project through meetings with the landowner and Ringsted Municipality, providing advice on the next steps. There is no doubt that Ringsted can become a central hub for transport on both the east-west and north-south axis. iPort Zealand is therefore a very important initiative in terms of unlocking the potential of the upcoming fixed Fehmarn Belt connection,” says Stig Rømer Winther.
Impact on the environment
iPort Zealand must be able to handle at least 12 full-length freight trains per day – seven days a week. Each train replaces around 60 long-distance trucks and frees up space on the roads. Freight trains emit around four times less CO₂ than trucks, Verdion points out. Each train can therefore save around 45 tonnes of CO₂ compared with road transport alone.
All buildings will be constructed to high sustainability standards. The focus is on energy and resource efficiency, and the buildings will be certified according to an internationally recognised scheme.
Verdion is now working with local and national stakeholders on the detailed plans. The development is scheduled to be ready when the new tunnel opens, expected in 2030, the company says.