Disko Line knew the conditions

Naalakkersuisoq for Social Affairs, Labour Market, Housing, Infrastructure and Outer Districts Aqqaluaq B. Egede is now reacting to Disko Line's decision to take the hybrid ship Maliina Ittuk out of operation in April, when the new airport in Qaqortoq opens.

This is allegedly happening because it is not possible to secure a permanent berth with access to shore power.

- It should come as no surprise that the port conditions are as they are. We see every day that Disko Line and other companies use the ports without problems. The self-government cannot give a company special rights to electricity and berthing space at the expense of other citizens and businesses, says the message from Aqqaluaq B. Egede.

- Disko Line has operated in Greenland for many years, and the Government of Greenland is therefore incomprehensible to how the company cannot be familiar with the existing port conditions. It is clear from the service contract that it is the existing ports that are made available to Disko Line.

Director agrees

Director of Disko Line Michael Højgaard does not dispute Aqqaluaq B. Egede's statement.

- There is nothing new in that. Of course we are familiar with the wording of the service contract, says Michael Højgaard.

- But we simply note that under the current conditions it is not possible to operate the ship responsibly – and therefore we have chosen to cease operations when the new airport in Qaqortoq opens. The plan was actually for Maliina Ittuk to operate in Disko Bay, but we do not dare to commit to that at the moment.

- We have been in dialogue with the Government of Greenland for a long time – and we have also been deeply involved in the plans for a new port section at Dutch Harbor. However, since this project has not yet progressed, the conclusion is that we cannot ensure its operation in a responsible manner – and we are therefore taking Maliina Ittuk out of operation, says the director.

Uncertain future

It has not yet been decided what will happen to Maliina Ittuk in the future. Michael Højgaard does not rule out that the ship will be sold abroad.

Maliina Ittuk is the largest ship in Disko Line's fleet to date. The ship has room for 113 passengers – and it was originally planned that Maliina Ittuk would operate mainly on the very popular route between Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq.

Maliina Ittuk is a hybrid ship that can run on both diesel and electricity. The battery pack has the capacity for two hours of almost silent operation and is intended as a contribution to the green agenda that is of interest to many of the tourists in Ilulissat.

- We are certain that tourists in particular will appreciate the electric drive. There is a growing environmental awareness among tourists – and this will be an important competitive parameter in the years to come, said Michael Højgaard last year when Maliina Ittuk left Faaborg Værft, which was responsible for the completion of the ship.