Trawler Company Gains Significant Cod Quota Amid Industry Criticism
In the ongoing debate surrounding fishing quotas in Greenland, trawler companies have often voiced their dissatisfaction with Naalakkersuisut’s allocations. Recently, however, a notable development has emerged. Peter Borg, member of the Demokraatit party and Minister for Fisheries, Catching, Agriculture, and Self-sufficiency, has awarded Sikuaq Trawl A/S an impressive outside quota of 2,556 tonnes of cod in East Greenland for this year.
This decision marks a surprising response to vocal criticism from Carl Christensen, the director and principal owner of Sikuaq Trawl A/S. In a January 9 article in Sermitsiaq, Christensen expressed his disappointment with the lack of cod quotas for the company, especially noting the allocation of quotas to two Greenlandic companies with substantial foreign interests from Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
A Step Forward for Sikuaq Trawl
Christensen’s earlier comments painted a bleak picture for Sikuaq Trawl A/S. He lamented not only the missed opportunities for cod in West Greenland in 2026 but also questioned the fairness of quotas awarded to foreign-held firms.
His frustration was palpable: “It’s tough to see our local interests sidelined by foreign investments,” he remarked.
However, following the recent quota allocation, there’s a palpable shift in sentiment at Sikuaq Trawl A/S. “We’re delighted to receive cod in Dohrn Banke,” Christensen shared with Sermitsiaq, emphasizing that this allocation ensures the company’s trawler, the Svend C, can engage in year-round fishing. His praise for Minister Borg was notable: “Our meeting with him was constructive and he presented himself as both calm and competent.”
Addressing Disappointments
The decision to allocate cod quotas in East Greenland came after Christensen had previously expressed his disappointment over a refusal for cod quotas off West Greenland, stating this could limit the Svend C to an uncertain future, relying solely on quotas for shrimp and mackerel.
Highlighting the company’s local roots and experience, he reiterated that Sikuaq Trawl A/S is financially stable and has consistently offered competitive wages to its crews, thereby contributing positively to the local community.
In December, the government distributed a total of 16,000 tonnes of cod quotas for 2026, with eight companies sharing in the allocation. Among those new to the fishing industry this year are Arctic Prime Fisheries ApS, M/Tr Claudia, and Tuullik A/S, while familiar names like Royal Greenland A/S and Polar Seafood Greenland A/S remain part of the mix.
Foreign Interests and Local Concerns
Christensen has been a straightforward communicator, known for his candid assessments of the industry. He has criticized the government’s decisions, particularly the allocation of quotas to companies heavily influenced by foreign interests like Arctic Prime Fisheries ApS and Arsuk Food ApS.
“The sight of foreign entities benefiting while local companies struggle is both puzzling and concerning,” he remarked. “It’s almost tragicomic that our precious resources are not being fully harnessed for local benefit.”
With a recent boost of over 2,500 tonnes of cod assigned to Sikuaq Trawl in East Greenland, company officials are eagerly pivoting from shrimp to cod fishing. Christensen remains optimistic about their prospects, expressing confidence that they will maintain competitive pricing for cod, thereby continuing to contribute to the Greenlandic economy.
In addition to the new cod allocation, Sikuaq Trawl A/S has secured quotas of 4,495 tonnes of shrimp in West Greenland and approximately 150 tonnes of redfish in East Greenland for 2026. Meanwhile, the government is still finalizing the mackerel quotas for this year, with announcements expected in the spring.
As the fishing season approaches, Sikuaq Trawl A/S finds itself at a critical juncture, ready to navigate both opportunities and challenges in a competitive industry landscape.