Final days in Copenhagen

The fun continues in Copenhagen.

On Friday we spent the morning at the Danish Parliament, and received an introduction to Danish Politics from Jesper Gronenberg, Secretary General of the Danish Social-Liberal Party, and Parliament Member Niels Helveg Petersen. Mr. Petersen is the most senior member of the Danish Parliament, and known as the "Kingmaker" for his ability to build consensus and make deals. We discussed the pros and cons of the Parliamentary system, and some of the major challenges facing Denmark. Mr. Petersen has served in Parliament since 1966, and shared his perspective on the most significant strategic and political changes over the past 40 years.

Danish Parliament

Danish Parliament

Inside the Parliament building

Unique elevator in the Danish parliament - works just like a dumb waiter.

Meeting with the Danish Parliament's most senior member, Niels Helveg Petersen.

Later we had a working lunch with former MMF Fellow Lone Saaby, a Director at the Danish Agriculture and Food Council. Her organization lobbies on behalf of Danish farmers. Lone discussed lobbying in Denmark, and the significant economic challenges farmers are facing in Denmark.

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to individual meetings. I had the unique opportunity to visit AP Moller-Maersk Corporate Headquarters, and meet with Maersk Lines' Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mr. Peter Andersen. AP Moller-Maersk is a Fortune 500 company and by far the largest company in Denmark. They operate the world's largest container ship fleet, have over 120,000 employees, and annual revenues in the $50 - $60 billion range. Maersk has an incredible legacy in Denmark, and the founder's son (Mr. Moller Maersk) still comes to work everyday at age 94.

It was extremely generous of Peter to meet with me, particularly considering they had released their 2009 Annual Report the day before the meeting where they posted the first loss in modern company history. Maersk lines lost over $2 billion in 2009 due primarily to excess capacity in the container ship industry and reduced global demand. Peter and I had a very frank discussion about current economic challenges affecting the shipping industry, and some of the cost savings measures being employed by Maersk.

Maersk removed 10 ships from service in 2009 to reduce excess capacity, and continued the practice of "slow steaming" - operating their ships at much lower speeds (12-15 knots vice 20+ knots) to save fuel costs. They also eliminated nearly 3,000 employees to streamline operations. We discussed the importance of maintaining capital investment in new ships despite the global economic downturn. Maersk has 38 new ships on order for 2011-2013, and is optimistic about the future outlook for the industry.

Thanks to Casper and Maersk for setting up this terrific meeting.

AP Moller - Maersk Corporate Headquarters




Model of the EMMA MAERSKat Maersk Headquarters. This class of vessels operated by Maersk are the largest container ships in the world.

Meeting with Maersk Lines CFO Peter Andersen


Enjoying some of the local flavors from a sausage vendor

That evening we visited the new Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) Headquarters. Both the new facility and the operation of DR are nearly entirely funded by public investment. We received a tour of the facility and then met with DR's Director, Mr. Kenneth Plummer. Kenneth explained the unique approach to public broadcasting in Denmark, and the importance it plays in preserving the Danish language and culture.

After the meeting we were treated to an incredible concert by the National Symphony and celloist Sol Gabetta.

Danish Broadcasting Corporation(DR). The recently completed office space, studios, and adjoining concert hall were designed by world famous French architect Jean Nouvel.












Backstage at the taping of "X-Factor", the Danish equivalent of "American Idol" and the country's most popular program.

Meeting with Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) Director General Kenneth Plummer in the Royal Suite of the new concert hall.

That evening we were treated to a concert by the Danish National Symphony and celloist Sol Gabetta.


On Saturday we had a working lunch with former MMF Fellows Rushy Rashid and Nagieb Khaja, both journalists and 2nd generation immigrants to Denmark. Rushy and Nagieb gave us an excellent overview of immigration and integration issues in Danish society.

After lunch we visited the Danish National Police and met with Director of National Investigations Mr. Kim Kliver. Kim gave us a briefing on the status of organized crime in Denmark, including the ongoing gang wars between the Hells Angels (yes, Hells Angels) and rival ethnic gangs.

That evening former MMF Fellow Jakob Nielsen treated us to dinner at his home. Jakob and his family, Rashid, and former MMF Fellow Kristian Madsen were great hosts and we had an exceptional evening of discussion and fun on the town. Jakob is Political Editor for one of Denmark's largest papers, and has authored multiple non-fiction books on contemporary Danish topics. Jakob's wife, Charlotte, anchors a weekly foreign affairs program on Danish television. Kristian is head of Press and Information for the largest labor union in Denmark.

Today our hosts decided to get us out of the city to experience some Danish culture and history. We drove about 45 minutes outside of Copenhagen to the historic city of Roskilde, both a Viking port and later a powerful Danish city during the Middle Ages.

In the early 1960s five Viking ships were found on the bottom of the sea in Roskilde's fjord and recovered. After a lengthy restoration process, the 1,000 year old ships are now on display in the Roskilde Viking ship museum. We had a superb private guided tour of the museum today, and learned about Viking history, culture, shipbuilding, and seamanship.

We finished off our visit to Roskilde with a guided tour of the Roskilde Cathedral which was recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. The church has been the burial site for most Danish Kings and Queens since late in the 10th century.

The Roskilde Viking Ship Museum




The museum also constructs and sails replica Viking ships. These ships are replicas of the actual ones on display inside the museum.

30 meter Viking ship SEA STALLION sits on land during the winter months. It is an exact replica of the largest of the five 1,000 year old ships on display in the museum. The SEA STALLION was actually sailed to Dublin and back to gain a better understanding of Viking seamanship and navigation practices.

You can learn about the SEA STALLION project here: http://vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/index.php?id=1671&L=1


Roskilde Cathedal dates to the 10th century and is the burial place of most Danish Kings and Queens.

Burial caskets for various Kings and Queens.

Hosts Johannes Langkilde and Kristina Treschow. Thank you for a wonderful visit!

Our visit to Copenhagen was superb, and we'd like to thank all of our hosts, coordinators, and briefers for putting together an incredible program. While we are all sad to be leaving, we are looking forward to more adventures and opportunities ahead. Tomorrow I am off to Rome, and others in the group are heading to Lisbon or Athens.

Last but not least, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! I miss you guys.