Royal Arctic Line to Convene Extraordinary General Meeting; New Chairman Appointed
Royal Arctic Line (RAL) is set to hold an extraordinary general meeting on Monday, October 13, at 1 p.m. In a significant leadership shift, Inooraq Brandt, previously the deputy chairman, will assume the role of chairman, taking over from Pâviâraq Heilmann, who has stepped down after years of service.
In recent months, the shipping company has grappled with declining activity, culminating in a reported loss of DKK 56 million for the first half of 2025. Notably, this figure reflects an improvement of DKK 11 million compared to the previous year, despite management downgrading its full-year projections. Unfortunately, RAL also announced a lack of expectations for operational savings, adding to the urgency of the matters at hand.
The upcoming meeting will serve as a platform for the new leadership to address these challenges head-on. Brandt’s appointment has received accolades from key figures, including Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of Naalakkersuisut, who expressed confidence in Brandt’s ability to guide RAL through these turbulent times.
“The management has just approved a five-year strategy, and we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where replacing the aging fleet with newer models is crucial,” Nielsen noted. He emphasized the importance of reassessing RAL’s partnerships, particularly with Eimskip, to ensure effective service delivery to Greenland’s cities and remote settlements.
Nielsen’s remarks also carried a political undertone, reiterating the current coalition’s commitment to previous policies requiring top management positions to be held by residents of Greenland. “Our companies must support societal growth and stable development, ensuring management has a genuine understanding of the communities they serve,” he stated.
Inooraq Brandt responded with gratitude for the trust placed in him, highlighting his commitment to improving RAL’s communication regarding decision-making processes. “It’s a challenging task to ensure a secure supply and service for a diverse population across our country. We must uphold our public service obligations with deep respect for the communities and environment we serve,” Brandt affirmed.
As RAL navigates these complexities, the newly appointed chairman will lead a board that includes Tommy Egede Kristensen, Miinannguaq Hilda Zeeb, Jóhanna á Bergi, Barbara Agersnap, Eydun Simonsen, Laust Vestergaard, Tina Lange Olsen, and Flemming Drechel.
The road ahead may be fraught with difficulties, but under Brandt’s leadership, there is hope that Royal Arctic Line can rise to the occasion, enhancing its role as a critical lifeline for Greenland.