Rungsted and Nivå Harbour: Activism or vandalism — is the police investigating?

On the night of 3 July 2026, three boats were severely damaged in the harbour at Rungsted, north of Copenhagen, according to our Danish colleagues at minbaad.dk, baadmagasinet.dk and the local news channels. The perpetrators poured orange paint over parts of the boats and slashed the upholstery and panelling with a knife. On one motorboat, they carved the words “Stop oil!” into the fibreglass. Harbour manager Anders Ulf Søderberg described the incident as a serious escalation compared with usual incidents at the harbour.

The port’s CCTV captured footage of a man. North Zealand Police have launched an investigation. The port authority is referring all press enquiries to the investigating authorities. The boat owners affected are likely to face substantial repair costs. The exact extent of the damage is not yet known.

A similar incident of vandalism in Nivå

As early as 12 June 2026, three boats in the harbour of Nivå (also on Zealand) were targeted. Here, too, the perpetrators used orange paint. In at least one case, they poured the paint into the cockpit. The owner of a classic Swedish motor yacht from 1974 was particularly hard hit. The owner had spent two years restoring the yacht.

Port users in Nivå suspect a climate activist is behind the incident. The orange colour is similar to that used by the group “Just Stop Oil” in its protests. This group has made international headlines for its attacks on works of art and buildings. However, there is as yet no evidence of a link to climate activism.

Unclear motives

Investigators are not yet able to determine the motive with certainty. Three scenarios are possible: targeted actions against boat owners, randomly selected victims, or organised climate protests. The use of orange paint in both harbours suggests a link. The three-week interval between the incidents fits this pattern.

In Rungsted, one of the damaged boats belongs to a local politician. The police are investigating whether this is a coincidence or a targeted attack. The harbour authority emphasises that such incidents and acts of vandalism are extremely rare in the region. Boat owners are feeling uneasy and are calling for increased security measures.

Reactions from the Rungsted Port Authority

Both ports are working closely with the police. They are providing CCTV footage and all relevant information. The Rungsted Port Authority is considering additional surveillance measures. No specific plans have yet been announced. The costs of enhanced security technology would have to be shared by the berth holders.

Port manager Søderberg told TV 2 Kosmopol that the uncertainty is taking its toll on the community. Many boat owners are wondering whether their boats are safe. Some are considering taking their boats ashore temporarily. However, this would involve additional costs and effort.

Damage and repair costs

The damage ranges from superficial paint splashes to deep cuts in upholstery and fibreglass. Orange paint is very difficult to remove from gelcoat surfaces. Professional restoration costs several hundred to a thousand euros per boat. The motorboat with the scratched inscription requires laminate repairs. These can easily cost between 2,000 and 3,000 euros.

The torn cushions need to be completely replaced. Depending on the quality and the extent of the work, the costs range from 1,000 to 5,000 euros. On top of this, there is the downtime during the repairs. Many boat owners had already planned their summer holidays. They now have to postpone or cancel them.

Insurance matters

It is unclear whether insurance companies will cover all the damage. Many comprehensive insurance policies exclude vandalism or require high excesses. These often range from 500 to 1,000 euros. Some boat owners may have to pay for the repairs themselves. This hits owners of older boats particularly hard, as they often only have third-party liability insurance.

Safety recommendations

Port authorities advise boat owners to be extra vigilant. Valuables should not be left on board. Tarpaulins make it harder for intruders to gain access and protect against the elements. However, they do not offer protection against deliberate vandalism. Some owners install their own CCTV cameras or alarm systems.

Motion detectors with lights can act as a deterrent. They cost between 50 and 150 euros and are easy to install. Whilst GPS trackers do not help against vandalism, they do enable the device to be located in the event of theft. These devices cost from 100 euros plus monthly fees of 5 to 10 euros.

Comparison with other incidents

There have been similar incidents in Danish harbours in the past. In Bogense in 2019, a motorboat was daubed with red paint. The perpetrator was identified from CCTV footage. In Mariager in 2020, unknown individuals loosened screws and bolts on a boat hoist. In Otterup, vandals drilled holes in several boats.

However, these incidents differ from the current case. The use of orange paint and the fact that the incidents in Nivå and Rungsted took place in quick succession suggest an organised motive. The police are investigating possible links to climate protests in other European countries.

In Germany, too, such protests – if one wishes to call them that at all – are not uncommon. In 2023, for example, the motor yacht “Lady M” was sprayed with orange paint and damaged.

Here is a link to the incident: Climate activists spray paint on the luxury yacht ‘Lady M’

Preventive measures

Experts recommend multi-layered security strategies. CCTV alone is not enough. Regular patrols by port staff or security services act as a greater deterrent. However, these measures incur additional costs of several thousand euros a month.

Some marinas rely on neighbourhood watch schemes. Boat owners keep an eye on each other’s boats and report anything suspicious. Mobile apps enable rapid communication within the marina community. However, these systems only work if there are enough users regularly on site.

Status of the investigation

North Zealand Police are not releasing any details about the ongoing investigation. The video footage is currently being analysed. Witnesses who have seen any suspicious individuals are asked to come forward. The police are hoping for information from the public. No reward has been offered for relevant information.

Forensic analysis of the paint could provide clues as to the manufacturer and sources of supply. DNA traces at the crime scenes are also being collected. However, these analyses take several weeks. Until then, the boat owners remain concerned.