At the core of European Maritime Day is a two-day conference. High-level plenary sessions including inspirational speakers, leadership exchanges and stakeholder workshops attract experts and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond.
European Maritime Day 2024

European Maritime Day 2024 will take place in Svendborg, Denmark on 30-31 May 2024.
We are thrilled to share with you the beautiful video of Svendborg in Denmark. Have a look and enjoy the beautiful maritime landscape which will give you a taste of what the next EMD will look like. We are looking forward to seeing you on the 30 and 31 May 2024 in Svendborg!
Svendborg – capital of the archipelago
Svendborg is a town with a long and rich history. It was founded in the 13th century and was once a major center for the herring fishery and shipbuilding. Today, Svendborg is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved old town, its charming harbor, and its proximity to the archipelago islands.
The town's name means "Swine's Castle" and is thought to refer to the wild boars or domesticated pigs that once lived in the area. Or perhaps to the many porpoises (‘marsvin’ in Danish, literally translated: ‘sea pig’) in the waters around Svendborg.
Svendborg is a unique mix of old and new. The town's old town has been preserved, with its narrow, winding streets, courtyards, and market squares. Svendborg is also a modern city with a thriving cultural scene.
Svendborg is a popular hub for trips to the archipelago islands. There are old wooden ships and many ferries that depart from Svendborg every day.
Overall, Svendborg is a charming and historic town with a lot to offer visitors.
Vibrant culture on the shipyard island

Frederiksø is an old shipyard island that has been transformed into a cultural hub. The shipyard buildings now house art galleries, artisanal workshops, a bike repair shop, a concert venue, and the Danish Yachting Museum. You can also rent boats, play pétanque, or enjoy a picnic on the quay. In the summer, there are big pop and rock concerts as well as an opera festival. The island is still home to two active shipyards, so you can still see large steel ships and impressive schooners. Frederiksø is a unique mix of old and new, wood and steel, industry and culture.
How to get to Svendborg

- Getting to Svendborg by plane: The two main airports in Denmark are Billund and Copenhagen, but you can also fly to Aalborg or Odense.
- From Copenhagen Airport: Take the train to Nyborg or Odense, and then take the bus or train to Svendborg.
- From Billund Airport: Take a bus to Odense, and then take the train to Svendborg.
Note that the bus from Billund to Odense may have multiple stops, so it may take longer than the train.
If you come by car, you can drive directly to Svendborg. There is a free bridge from the west side and a toll bridge from the east side. You can pay the toll directly at the bridge.
Accommodation & venue

There are several hotels near the conference venue, the city center, the harbor, the shopping streets, and the beach. The conference will take place in the SIMAC building, which is a 5-minute walk from the train station, the shopping streets, and most of the hotels.
SIMAC
Nordre Kajgade 9A
5700 Svendborg