News
The Danish Competition Council’s Decision on Øresundslinjen’s Restrictions on the Resale of Ferry Tickets
On the 25th of June 2025, The Danish Competition Council adopted a decision that Øresundslinjen Helsingør ApS has violated binding commitments pursuant to Section 16a (1) of the Danish Competition Act by engaging in restrictive practices regarding the resale of ferry tickets on the Helsingør-Helsingborg route. These actions were found to breach the binding commitments made in 2010 by Scandlines Danmark A/S regarding the Helsingør-Helsingborg route, which Øresundslinjen assumed as part of a transfer of operations. The commitments aimed to safeguard competition and prevent distortions in the ferry services market.
Violation of Commitments
Øresundslinjen implemented restrictive measures that hindered the resale of ferry tickets, including imposing less favorable terms on resellers and discouraging resale activities. These measures were inconsistent with the 2010 commitments, which prohibit both direct and indirect restrictions on the resale of tickets.
Binding Nature of Commitments
As the successor to Scandlines' operations, Øresundslinjen is bound by the commitments made in 2010 to address anti-competitive concerns. The breaches undermined these commitments, which were enacted to ensure open and fair competition in the ferry market.
Conclusion
The Danish Competition Council concluded that Øresundslinjen had breached its binding commitments by restricting the resale of ferry tickets. This conduct impeded competition on the Helsingør-Helsingborg route and reduced the ability of third parties and end-users to fully benefit from competitive market conditions. The decision underscores the importance of adhering to binding commitments to promote and protect competition in Danish markets.
The Danish Competition Council has decided to bring this case before the Maritime and Commercial High Court in order to impose a fine on Øresundslinjen Helsingør ApS.
For further information please contact Head of Communications, Hanne Arentoft: phone +45 4171 5098.