Disco Line’s Maliina Ittuk: A Journey Marked by Trials and Triumphs
Disco Line has certainly faced its share of challenges with the construction of the Maliina Ittuk, a new vessel designed to accommodate 113 passengers. Since breaking ground in 2019, the project has encountered a series of unfortunate setbacks.
However, there’s a silver lining: the ship has finally departed Denmark and is currently making its way across the Atlantic. As of this writing, Maliina Ittuk is docked in the harbor of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.
Initially, the vessel was slated to join Disko Line’s summer schedule, specifically designed to traverse the route between Qaqortoq and Narsarsuaq starting June 1. Yet, during her journey north in May, she suffered technical issues south of Frederikshavn that delayed her debut.
A Lengthy Stay at the Shipyard
What should have been a swift transition turned into a prolonged 128-day stint at the Orskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, before finally setting sail for Greenland on September 24.
“Maliina Ittuk experienced a generator replacement due to a manufacturing defect,” explained Michael Højgaard, managing director of Disko Line. “After extensive test sailing, the ship is now ready for her intended routes.”
Following her current stop in Lerwick, the next leg of the journey takes her to Iceland, where favorable weather conditions are anticipated. Ultimately, she is set to serve passengers in Qaqortoq throughout the winter months, before transitioning to Ilulissat in the spring of 2026.
A Milestone for Disco Line
Maliina Ittuk will stand as Disco Line’s largest ship to date and marks the introduction of the largest steel passenger vessel in Greenland since the arrival of Najaaraq Ittuk in 1999. While Najaaraq Ittuk accommodated 60 passengers, the Maliina Ittuk nearly doubles that capacity with room for 113. Passengers will enjoy spacious lounges equipped with comfortable airplane-style seating and the option to take in stunning views from the sun deck.
Adding to its modern appeal, the new vessel operates as a hybrid ship, utilizing an electric motor with power sourced either from a large battery pack or a traditional diesel engine.
The construction of Maliina Ittuk has been fraught with complications since the first steel was cut in 2019. The pandemic was a significant hurdle, followed by ongoing issues related to the hybrid technology, leading to a relocation of the ship’s assembly from Assens Steel Shipyard to Faaborg Shipyard last year.
As the journey continues, hopes are high that this vessel will finally take its rightful place in the waters of Greenland, ushering in a new era for Disco Line.