Svend Heiselberg is still following, even though the left-wing politician is 88 years old and left the Danish Parliament in 2005 after more than 25 years. Hanstholm Port is Heiselberg's favorite. So he is completely up to date with what is happening at the port, which has become municipal after being expanded for 650 million kroner. He even still does part of his daily routine at the port.
- I have just come home from the port, where I have been washing trucks for five hours since morning, says Svend Heiselberg and adds:
- It is of course something completely different than working in the Danish Parliament, but I like the physical work, and then the fishermen come and talk.
He can also give a sober status on the port's financial situation, because he is still debating eagerly in the media. The port lacks new sources of income, although some things are good.
- Regardless, we should be happy about the new port, and 200-300 tons of fish are still sold per day, and that is good. The problem is how we get other income for the port, says Svend Heiselberg, who acknowledges a small income from the freight area.
Less debt but higher interest rates
The original price for the port expansion was 650 million. DKK. However, the debt has very quickly become smaller and smaller. Today it is approximately 452 million. DKK, Thisted's mayor told DOI.dk at the end of May, and the municipality has obtained a grace period on the loan for five years.
- The loan was refinanced, so the remaining debt is smaller. But that also means that the interest rate will once again be higher for the municipality. One day in five years, when the bill comes, we have to hope that there will be some income before then, says Svend Heiselberg.
Just two years ago, there were very high expectations for a green energy cluster at the port. Today, things look different, according to Heiselberg.
- There are some very ambitious wind turbine projects, but they have now been postponed. Then there is the entire CCS part, but it has now been moved to Esbjerg, we hear. I don't think the municipality has much to build on, because 95 percent of the income still comes from fishing, says Heiselberg, turning to something that has potential.
More tourism
Thisted is already home to Cold Hawaii, which attracts many tourists to the municipality every year and in particular to Hanstholm's neighboring town of Klitmøller. But it also happens in the harbor area just outside the harbor itself.
- We neglect to make room for tourists here in Hanstholm. There are great opportunities for tourism here. This is where surfing is done, even though Klitmøller is known for it. The other day I counted 150 cars at the harbor, and half of them were surfers in vans, he says, and makes a specific suggestion:
- You should develop the entire area east of the harbor for tourists and surfers. It's an area the harbor can't use anyway.
There are already two containers with a cafe, surf shop and school, which are not legal according to the local plan.
- I think it's a bit of a bummer that they can't be allowed to have those containers. When I got there the other day, it was full of young people. There needs to be more of that, concludes Svend Heiselberg.
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