A New Chapter in Greenland’s Infrastructure: Nuupiluk Deep-Water Port
Craftsmen and construction machinery wrapping up their work on the airport in Qaqortoq next year will have a convenient next stop—just 8.3 kilometers west, at Nuupiluk. Here, the Danish treasury is financing a deep-water port that promises to enhance connectivity in the region.
The idea for a port at Nuupiluk emerged alongside early proposals for replacing Narsarsuaq Airport with a new facility in Qaqortoq. While the timeline for the port’s development has expanded, the distance between Nuupiluk and Narsaq remains fixed at 20 kilometers, or 11 nautical miles, ensuring a stable sailing route for future operations.
21 Years of Planning
The journey to this stage began back in 2004, when Greenland’s airport authority, Mittarfeqarfiit, first identified Nuupiluk as a suitable ferry port between Qaqortoq and Narsaq. Initially, the authority envisioned a passenger boat capable of carrying 36 travelers, utilizing the existing port in Narsaq, while passengers from Qaqortoq would take a bus from Nuupiluk to the airport.
In 2010, a report from the Transport Commission on South Greenland’s infrastructure proposed an alternative: two smaller passenger boats, each accommodating 12 passengers. This adjustment not only promised lower construction costs but also allowed for a quicker sailing experience.
By 2011, the Transport Commission reiterated its recommendation for smaller vessels and identified a combined boat and road link between Narsaq and Qaqortoq. This synergy was deemed so beneficial that it was suggested to establish it concurrently with the new Qaqortoq airport—an endeavor now unfolding in tandem.
In 2017, the Naalakkersuisut released a sector plan for ports stretching from 2017 to 2027. This plan reflected the Municipality of Kujalleq’s aspirations for improved shipping solutions between Narsaq and Qaqortoq while recommending further investigation into a straightforward port facility.
Fast forward to 2020, when the Department of Housing and Infrastructure detailed a proposal for a ferry between Narsaq and Nuupiluk, envisioning a vessel capable of transporting trucks, buses, and a few passenger cars.
Then, in 2023, the Municipality of Kujalleq introduced a planning strategy for 2023-27, showcasing ambitious visions for development that extended from Qaqortoq to Nuupiluk, spotlighting the critical role the port will play in the region’s infrastructure.
Looking ahead to September 16, 2025, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Naalakkersuisut’s chairman Jens-Frederik Nielsen are set to formalize a framework agreement to fund the Nuupiluk deep-water port. While the financial specifics and the size of the ferry remain undisclosed, the agreement marks a significant step forward in the long-awaited project.
As the plans evolve, the potential of Nuupiluk is becoming ever clearer—both as a crucial link in Greenland’s transport network and as a catalyst for future growth in the region.