After several years of delay, Disko Line's newly built hybrid ship Maliina Ittuk arrived in Qaqortoq on October 20th last year. Now the ship will soon be decommissioned again, Disko Line announced in a press release on Friday morning.
Disko Line states that a decision has been made to decommission the ship when the airport in Qaqortoq opens. The airport is scheduled to open on April 16 this spring.
According to Disko Line, it has not been possible to secure the necessary port facilities to maintain stable and safe operation of the ship. This includes the lack of a permanent berth, access to shore power and stable berthing conditions.
According to Disko Line, it has been necessary to move the ship around at night several times to avoid damage during severe weather. This has been challenging for the employees on the ship.
According to Disko Line, the ship is sailing on a contract that expires with the opening of the new airport. What will happen to the ship afterwards is not clear.
Maliina Ittuk is by far Disko Line's largest passenger ship, with space for 113 passengers. The ship was built in an accident-prone condition and took a total of six years. The ship has hybrid technology and can therefore also operate on electricity.
