Press Release: New Service Contract Signed with Arctic Umiaq Line
Issued by: Department of Housing, Infrastructure, and Remote Districts
Minister for Social Affairs, Labour Market, Housing, Infrastructure, and Remote Districts, Aqqaluaq B. Egede, announces on behalf of Naalakkersuisut that a service contract has been signed with Arctic Umiaq Line for passenger transport with the coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk for 2026 and 2027.
Statement from the Government of Greenland
Minister Aqqaluaq B. Egede says:
“I am pleased that, in collaboration with Arctic Umiaq Line, we have successfully extended coastal passenger services with Sarfaq Ittuk through the end of 2027. Sarfaq Ittuk holds historical significance in Greenland, providing connectivity and affordable passenger transport over many years, benefiting both the local community and visiting tourists.”
Under the new service contract, Sarfaq Ittuk will continue its regular sailing schedule with weekly trips to the following destinations: Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Kangaamiut, Sisimiut, Aasiaat, Qeqertarsuaq, Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuatsiaat, Paamiut, Arsuk, Qaqortoq, and Narsaq.
Statement from Arctic Umiaq Line
Managing Director of Arctic Umiaq Line, Taitsianguaq Olsen, comments:
“We are pleased that our service contract with the Greenlandic Self-Government has been extended for two years. This ensures that coastal passenger transport with Sarfaq Ittuk will continue in 2026 and 2027, providing weekly service between Qaqortoq and Ilulissat, meeting our customers’ demand.”
Planning for Future Transport Changes
With the opening of new airports in Qaqortoq and Ilulissat in 2026, travel patterns across Greenland are expected to change, affecting air, sea, and coastal travel.
An agreement has therefore been reached between the Department and Arctic Umiaq Line: once sufficient understanding of new travel patterns has been achieved, Government of Greenland will make decisions on the future organisation of coastal passenger services. This approach ensures the transport network is adapted to meet the real needs of citizens.
For further information, please contact:
Department of Housing, Infrastructure, and Remote Districts
box909@nanoq.gl
In Memoriam: Mikael Petersen
Issued by: The Office of the Chairman
The long-serving member of Parliament and former member of Government of Greenland, Mikael Petersen, passed away on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 after a brief illness. He was 69 years old.
Mikael Petersen served as Minister for Social Affairs, Labour Market and Public Works from 1997 to 1999. Later, from 2002 to 2004, he held the position of Minister for Housing, Resources and Environment.
After his ministerial roles, Mikael Petersen kept up his political work in Greenland, serving as Secretary General of Siumut and later as Party Secretary for the Naleraq Party. He will be remembered for his extensive experience and significant contributions to the political development of Greenland.
Our thoughts are with Mikael Petersen’s wife, children, and grandchildren, to whom we extend our deepest condolences. May Mikael Petersen's memory be honoured.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen
Chairman of the Government of Greenland
The Government of Greenland Condemns Violence Against Women and Girls and Strengthens Efforts Against Sexual Exploitation
Issued by: Department of Business, Resources, Energy, Justice, and Gender Equality
On the occasion of UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Government of Greenland reaffirms its unequivocal stance against the violence that many women and young girls continue to experience in Greenlandic society.
Violence in all its forms—physical, psychological, or digital—is unacceptable. In recent years, Naalakkersuisut has enhanced legislation to criminalise digital grooming, stalking, and psychological abuse.
The Government of Greenland continues to review whether current laws provide adequate protection for children and young people against abuse. As part of this work, a review has been launched to assess whether existing provisions on the age of sexual consent sufficiently protect young people from sexual exploitation.
Currently, the law states that sexual activity with a person under 15 is considered rape if the partner is 22 years or older—even if consent is given. However, sexual activity is legally permitted if the younger person is above the age of consent, regardless of age differences. This means, for example, that a 15-year-old can legally engage in a relationship with someone who is 30 or even 50 years old, as long as they consent.
In recent years, there have been several cases where older individuals have had relationships with very young people over 15—who are technically above the age of consent—but who are still in school and not legally mature.
Minister Naaja H. Nathanielsen commented:
“Most of us would agree that a five-year age gap is too large when it comes to young people who are still in school. I do not believe there can be equality in a sexual relationship between a 16-year-old girl and a 21- or 30-year-old man—regardless of maturity. An adult should not be in a relationship with a ninth-grade student. Our youth should be able to explore their sexuality with peers without risk of exploitation by adults who should know better. I believe it is time for an additional layer of protection, such as a legal limit on the permissible age difference until the young person turns 17. The goal is not to restrict young people, but to protect vulnerable youth from being exploited. Whether one agrees with my perspective or not, I hope this topic will be openly debated, as it is largely about responsibility, morality, and care—not just legislation.”
For further information, please contact Ministerial Secretary Jeanette L. Petersen that jalp@nanoq.gl or telephone 34 52 06.
