Maliina Ittuk to Retire with Qaqortoq Airport Opening, Says Disko Line
Maliina Ittuk arrived at Qaqortoq port on October 20, 2025.
Photo: Hans-Peter Bay
After several years of delays, Disko Line’s new hybrid vessel, the Maliina Ittuk, made its long-anticipated arrival at the port of Qaqortoq on October 20, 2025. However, it seems that this welcome debut may soon be followed by a swift retirement. In a press release issued Friday morning, Disko Line announced that the vessel will be taken out of service following the opening of the new airport in Qaqortoq, which is set to commence operations on April 16.
The decision, as outlined by Disko Line, comes in light of ongoing challenges in securing adequate port facilities necessary for the ship’s safe and stable operations. Key issues include the absence of a permanent berth, a reliable source of shore power, and consistent berthing conditions. The company has faced logistical hurdles, even having to relocate the ship during the night to avert damage during severe weather conditions—a testament to the difficulties confronting its crew.
Maliina Ittuk is currently under contract, and that agreement will conclude with the airport’s grand opening. While its future remains uncertain, the ship itself stands as a noteworthy addition to Disko Line’s fleet, accommodating up to 113 passengers. Its construction, which took six long years, was marred by various setbacks, yet the ship boasts impressive hybrid technology that enables it to navigate under electrical power as well.
What lies ahead for Maliina Ittuk remains to be clarified, but its brief service period is already a chapter filled with both promise and challenges.