Troubles Persist for Disko Line’s Ambitious Hybrid Ferry Project
The challenges for Disko Line continue to mount as the company grapples with issues surrounding its hybrid ferry, the Maliina Ittuk, which accommodates 113 passengers. According to recent reports from Fyens Stiftstidende, the ferry has returned to Faaborg Værft, the very shipyard where it was celebrated with its naming ceremony by Julie Berthelsen in June 2024.
Earlier this year, Disko Line made the difficult decision to part ways with Maliina Ittuk. The company struggled to secure a permanent berth for the ferry in the small harbor of Ilulissat, a critical stop on its summer route.
Berth Challenges Continue
The situation wasn’t any better in Qaqortoq, where Maliina Ittuk had operated between the town and Narsarsuaq before the new airport opened. Concerns over a permanent docking spot were persistent, leading the company to explore selling the ferry. To facilitate this, Maliina Ittuk was moved to Nuuk, as shipbrokers believed it would attract more buyers in the capital.
However, those hopes remain unfulfilled. The ferry is back at the Faaborg yard, with no sale in sight.
A Frustrating Reality
“It’s a sad situation,” admitted Michael Højgaard, managing director of Disko Line, in an interview with Sermitsiaq. “But what can we do? Without a permanent berth, the costs of moving the ship at night become unmanageable. A vessel of this size simply needs a stable docking point.”
Højgaard expressed disappointment given the potential of Maliina Ittuk, noting its hybrid capabilities align beautifully with current environmental demands. “We had faith in its design. A hybrid vessel that operates partially on electricity represents the future, and it’s what people are increasingly asking for,” he stated.
Currently, technicians at Faaborg Shipyard are preparing for an extensive overhaul of Maliina Ittuk after a year of service in Greenland and two transatlantic journeys. Shipyard director Jan Mortensen acknowledged the emotional investment behind the vessel’s development. “We’ve put a lot of heart into this ship, and we need to take good care of it,” he told Fyens Stiftstidende. Yet, he adds that an imminent sale is unlikely, given Maliina Ittuk is designed for day trips without cabins and is equipped for arctic navigation.
According to the annual accounts for 2025, Maliina Ittuk is valued at DKK 101,724,911. Atlantic Shipping has set the sale price at DKK 104 million, leaving stakeholders hopeful but uncertain about the ferry’s future.