New Runway in Qaqortoq: A Departure and a Local Legacy
The recent completion of the runway in Qaqortoq marks a significant step forward for Greenland Airports, a milestone that reflects nearly two and a half years of dedicated effort by the Canadian contractor, Pennecon. As the company packed up in mid-December, they left behind not just the newly established 1,500-meter runway but also a unique opportunity for local residents.
Before heading back to Canada with the bulk of their equipment, Pennecon offered Qaqortoq’s citizens a chance to purchase some of their American-made pickup trucks, specifically the Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram 1500. Now, these robust vehicles can be seen navigating the streets of the town, serving as a tangible reminder of the company’s presence and the work accomplished.
Pennecon’s presence in Qaqortoq was not without its technical challenges. The company, headquartered in Newfoundland, employed around 100 workers, many of whom were on rotational shifts. Together, they undertook the demanding task of creating the new runway, which is scheduled for official use on April 16 with the grand opening of the airport.
The local subcontractor, 60 North Greenland, played a critical role in the project’s final stages, assisting with the logistics of transporting equipment back to Canada. Malik Vahl Rasmussen, director of 60 North Greenland, explained, “The contractor’s ship was too large to dock in Qaqortoq’s harbor. Therefore, we collaborated with Arctic Unlimited to transfer everything to a landing vessel.”
Over the course of approximately 30 days, local crews transported around 270 various objects, ranging from cars to bulky excavators, to the ship for shipment. “Everything had to be disassembled for transportation,” Rasmussen noted, highlighting the meticulous effort involved in the operation.
The cargo ship itself made two trips between Canada and Qaqortoq, with the first voyage dedicated to transporting essential construction machinery—everything from asphalt production facilities to pavers and dozers. Following its return to Canada, the ship was loaded with more equipment intended for the ongoing development of the region.
According to Rasmussen, “We primarily assisted with the shipping and logistics, which included coordinating staff and machinery management throughout the project.” As Qaqortoq moves towards the future, the collaboration between Pennecon and local firms underscores the shared commitment to enhancing the infrastructure of this vibrant community.