Maliina Ittuk Arrives in Greenland Amidst Hurdles
In a much-anticipated moment, Disko Line’s latest hybrid vessel, Maliina Ittuk, has finally reached Greenland, albeit after a series of challenging adjustments.
At precisely 3 PM on Monday, the ship docked gracefully at the quay in Qaqortoq, completing a two-and-a-half-day journey from Iceland.
Michael Højgaard, the director of Disko Line, shared relief at the ship’s arrival. “The final leg of the journey, from Grindavik directly to Greenland, went smoothly, with passage through Prins Christian Sund to Qaqortoq,” he remarked. “It’s no secret that we’ve faced technological challenges, especially during our time at the shipyard in Frederikshavn, where we had to replace one of the generators. But crossing the Atlantic this time was trouble-free.”
Ready for Service
As preparations begin for Maliina Ittuk’s inaugural commercial trip, the ship is set to embark on its first journey to Narsarsuaq next Tuesday, October 28. This route will continue until the new airport in Qaqortoq opens in the spring. Following this, plans are in place for the ship to relocate to the Disko area.
Though Højgaard was not present for the long-awaited arrival, he was actively engaged in a seminar in Corsica with the management team from Topas, Disko Line’s parent company. “We arranged a live stream of the arrival, and the cheers here in Corsica were unending as we watched her glide into the harbor. We are incredibly proud of Maliina Ittuk,” he stated.
He also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from the local community. “It was heartening to see so many people gathered at the port in Qaqortoq, and the honking cars were a wonderful touch. Many in Qaqortoq will surely be eager to sail with Maliina Ittuk in the future, as she promises ample space and comfort for passengers.”
Photo: Hans-Peter N. Bay
Setting New Milestones
Maliina Ittuk stands as Disko Line’s largest ship to date, representing the most significant addition to Greenland’s passenger fleet since the company launched the Najaaraq Ittuk back in 1999. While the older vessel accommodates up to 60 passengers, Maliina Ittuk can host nearly double that number—113 passengers—who will be able to enjoy two expansive lounges or view the stunning landscapes from the sun deck.
This new hybrid ship operates using a combination of electric motors, powered by either a large battery pack or a traditional diesel engine. However, the journey to bring Maliina Ittuk to the water has not been without its setbacks. Construction delays began with the pandemic in 2019, followed by ongoing challenges with hybrid technology, which ultimately necessitated a shift in construction to Faaborg Shipyard last year.
As Disko Line embraces this new chapter, excitement builds for the journey ahead with Maliina Ittuk, which promises to enhance connectivity and experience for travelers exploring the remarkable landscapes of Greenland.