Cruise ships should not sail just anywhere in Greenlandic fjords. That is the message from Greenland’s government, Naalakkersuisut.
Therefore, the government is now urging the shipping companies behind the floating hotels of the sea to limit their sailing.
This is because cruise ships in certain fjord areas are experienced as a burden on local populations and the affected natural areas. The Department of Industry and Raw Materials writes this in a press release.
> "It is quite invasive for smaller settlements"
> Avaaraq Olsen, Mayor of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
It states that the self-government has received several inquiries, concerning, among other things, impacts on wildlife, noise pollution, and the desire to preserve the natural and recreational values of the areas.
It is not a formal legal requirement, but rather a call for shipping companies to respect the recommendation. Therefore, there will be no consequences if shipping companies do not comply, the department elaborates to DR.
The self-government also notes that Naalakkersuisut and the municipalities are working on creating more concrete restrictions. This will clarify which areas are open for cruise tourism and which areas will be subject to limitations. This is part of the country’s tourism law, which will include a so-called zoning system for where cruise ships may operate and where they are not welcome.
In 2023, the cruise ship Ocean Explorer ran aground in Alpefjord near Mestersvig in the national park in East Greenland and had to be towed free. (Photo: © Danish Air Force, Reuters/Ritzau Scanpix)
This work is not yet complete. This means that for now, cruise operators must contact the local municipality to find out where they are allowed to sail in the municipality's fjords, the Department of Industry and Raw Materials states.
"Regarding the specific fjords and areas, it is the municipalities that have the knowledge and can further clarify which areas are affected. Shipping companies can therefore contact the relevant municipalities for further clarification," the department writes.
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Disrupts the hunt
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That plan is already ready in Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, the country’s largest municipality. This is according to the municipality's mayor, Avaaraq Olsen, who receives the new announcement with measured approval.
Avaaraq Olsen is the mayor of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, where Greenland's capital, Nuuk, is located. (Photo: © Mads Claus Rasmussen, Ritzau Scanpix)
"I am happy, and the whole municipality is looking forward to it becoming more than a recommendation," she says.
As long as it is only a recommendation, she does not expect cruise operators to seriously comply with it.
> "We just want it on terms that allow us to still protect
> our culture and nature"
> Avaaraq Olsen, Mayor of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
According to the mayor, for it to be taken more seriously, the announcement should specify where, for example, the capital municipality will limit cruise ship traffic.
This concerns Nuuk Fjord, Arsuk Fjord, Iikka Fjord, the fjords around Tasiilaq, and Kangersuttuaq – the world’s largest fjord system near Ittoqqortoormiit.
"There will be different restrictions depending on where you are locally," says Avaaraq Olsen.
What problems or frustrations have been experienced locally from these cruise ships sailing in your fjords?
"It varies from place to place. But generally, it is where it disrupts whaling and, on land, disrupts reindeer hunting, and we also have several cruise ships visiting smaller settlements at the same time. It is quite invasive for smaller settlements," says Avaaraq Olsen.
Therefore, it is necessary to limit access for cruise ships, and the mayor is not concerned about the signal being sent to cruise operators.
"It is possible that we will scare away some tourism companies that might not be interested in doing things properly. But at the same time, I also think we will be able to attract some shipping companies that are precisely focused on protecting the places you visit."
"We just want it on terms that allow us to still protect our culture and nature," says Avaaraq Olsen.
According to Greenland Statistics, there were 232 cruises in the country in 2025 with 555 port calls.
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