Greenland urges cruise lines to limit sailing in its fjords

Greenland’s government is urging cruise operators to limit their sailing in selected fjords after complaints from local residents about disruption to wildlife, noise and pressure on natural areas. DR reported the recommendation.

The government says cruise ships are experienced as a burden in some fjord areas for both local communities and the affected natural environment.

The recommendation is not a legal requirement, and operators will face no consequences if they do not follow it. Greenland’s Department of Business and Mineral Resources said the government and municipalities are working on more specific restrictions under the country’s tourism law.

The planned zoning system will clarify which areas are open to cruise tourism and which will be subject to restrictions. Until those rules are completed, cruise operators must contact the relevant municipality to establish where they may sail.

Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, Greenland’s largest municipality, has already prepared such a plan, according to its mayor, Avaaraq Olsen. The municipality includes the capital, Nuuk.

Olsen said she welcomed the government’s announcement but wanted the recommendation to become binding. She said cruise ships had disrupted whale hunting and reindeer hunting, while several ships visiting small settlements at the same time could be intrusive.

In Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, possible restrictions would cover Nuuk Fjord, Arsuk Fjord, Ikkafjord, the fjords around Tasiilaq and Kangersuttuaq, the world’s largest fjord system near Ittoqqortoormiit.

“We simply want this to happen on terms that allow us to continue protecting our culture and nature,” Olsen said.

In 2023, the cruise ship Ocean Explorer ran aground in Alpefjord near Mestersvig in the national park in East Greenland and required assistance to be pulled free.

According to Statistics Greenland, the country recorded 232 cruises and 555 port calls in 2025.