Port conditions cause Disko Line to drop Maliina Ittuk

Disko Line has decided to take the company's newest and largest ship Maliina Ittuk out of operation when the new airport in Qaqortoq opens.

It was originally intended that Maliina Ittuk would be moved to Disko Bay after the opening of the airport, where the ship, which has room for 113 passengers, would be used primarily on the very popular route between Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq.

The decision comes after several years of work, during which it has not been possible to secure the port facilities necessary to ensure stable operation of the ship.

- Maliina Ittuk requires a permanent berth with access to shore power and stable mooring conditions – especially in winter, explains Disko Line's CEO, Michael Højgaard.

- It has not been possible to get these conditions in Qaqortoq – and it is also not possible in Ilulissat, where the plan was for Maliina Ittuk to sail in the future.

Stable port conditions

- It is about stable port facilities where we do not have to constantly move the ship. The requirements are standard for ships of this size. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to ensure this, which has given us significant operational challenges, increased risk in severe weather and repeated situations where the ship has had to be moved at night to avoid damage.

- The situation has particularly affected our staff – and this is not sustainable in the long term. We would much rather spend our staff time sailing with passengers than spending time moving the ship.

Michael Højgaard says that it has not been an easy decision.

- We have turned all scenarios, both technical and operational, and our crew has made an extraordinary effort. But when the basic port conditions cannot be ensured, we have to act based on safety and operational responsibility.

Disko Line will sail the current contract to the end towards the opening of the airport in Qaqortoq. Disko Line staff were informed of the decision at a staff meeting yesterday.

An expensive ship

It has not yet been decided what will happen to Maliina Ittuk in the future. Michael Højgaard does not rule out that the ship will be sold abroad.

Maliina Ittuk has so far been a major challenge for Topas Explorer Group, which owns Disko Line. The first lines for the ship were laid in 2019. Since then, the construction has been hit by both the corona and a number of accidents, so it was not until the autumn 2025 that the ship finally entered service.

The delays and the construction of the ship have been a costly affair. In Topas Explorer Group's annual accounts for 2024, the ship is on the balance sheet under "Tangible fixed assets under construction" with a total value of DKK 93,467,692.

Maliina Ittuk is Disko Line's largest ship, with room for 113 passengers. It is built as a hybrid ship that can operate on both electricity and diesel.