Secret report reveals harsh working conditions on Arctic ships with 60% considering resignation

A confidential report obtained by Danish broadcaster DR shows that 60% of personnel on Denmark’s Arctic patrol vessels are considering leaving the navy within two years, citing extreme workloads, poor leadership, and mental health struggles.

The investigation, conducted by the Veterans Centre’s Knowledge Hub for Naval Command and finalised in March 2025, found that nearly one in four positions on the Arctic inspection ships—tasked with enforcing Danish sovereignty around Greenland—remain unfilled. Staff shortages have led to increased workloads, stress, and burnout, with 14% of crew at heightened risk of depression or stress and over 15% exhibiting moderate to severe PTSD symptoms.

Low pay, poor equipment, and lack of recognition

While respondents valued camaraderie and their service, the survey paints a grim picture of daily life. Key complaints include inadequate pay, substandard leadership, and insufficient equipment, such as poor-quality cold-weather gear and uncomfortable sleeping quarters. Half of the crew reported sleep disturbances due to noise, harsh weather, and subpar mattresses.

One respondent wrote: “After over 10 years, I’ve lost the joy of going to work for the first time. I’m drained, with no recognition—only reminders of what I fail to do, despite doing the work of three people.”

Another stated: “We’re constantly called in because others mess up. Something drastic needs to happen, or our defence will become a joke. We might as well set up an answering machine saying, ‘We surrender.’”

No veteran status despite Arctic demands

The report also highlights frustration over unequal treatment compared to crews on Denmark’s frigates, which receive medals and veteran status for international deployments. Arctic patrol personnel, despite operating in extreme conditions for up to two years at a time, receive no such recognition.

Niels Pihlblad, a union representative and crew member, told DR: “We don’t seek praise, but a little acknowledgment could motivate people. It wouldn’t take much—just someone besides the captain saying, ‘Welcome home. You’ve done good work.’”

The combination of staff shortages, lack of recognition, and gruelling conditions is eroding morale, the report concludes.