Denmark, Greenland agree to build naval wharf in Nuuk amid growing Arctic focus
In its latest step to strengthen its Arctic footprint, Denmark and Greenland have agreed to build a dedicated naval wharf in Nuuk.
The new quay will be established, owned and operated by Sikuki Nuuk Harbour A/S, like the rest of the Port of Nuuk.
“It is crucial that the Defence has the best possible working conditions to carry out their tasks in and around Greenland,” Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement.
Dual-use infrastructure and local benefit
The new facility will give the Danish Armed Forces their own wharf while still keeping the quay open to civilian traffic when military vessels are not docked.
Greenland’s government said the project is a good example of how military investments can ripple outward, helping not just the Armed Forces but the communities they work alongside.
“As part of strengthening the Armed Forces’ task performance in Greenland, it is the Government of Greenland’s wish that as many initiatives as possible benefit Greenlandic society,” Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said.
“A new naval quay in Nuuk is a welcome dual-use project that can also contribute to supporting the increasing civilian shipping traffic in Nuuk.”
Port expansion underscores security, sovereignty
The agreement comes as Nuuk’s harbour faces mounting pressure from increase maritime traffic in the region.
“In line with the positive development in civilian shipping, including cruise traffic, the Armed Forces are challenged by limited quay capacity in Nuuk,” Major General Søren Andersen, Commander of Arctic Command, said.
“The establishment of a naval quay will strengthen the Armed Forces’ military operations in Greenland while allowing greater use of Nuuk’s new international airport.”
A tender for the expansion is expected in autumn 2025.
Part of a wider northern defence build-up
The Nuuk port announcement follows a major decision last week to significantly strengthen the combat power of the Danish Armed Forces with the planned purchase of an additional 16 F-35 fighter aircraft.
The expansion will bring Denmark’s total fleet to 43 F-35s, a move the Defence Ministry described as a “historic strengthening” that enhances both NATO deterrence and Denmark’s ability to respond quickly in northern airspace.
The ministry said it would also acquire additional weapons systems, simulators, and training infrastructure, as well as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — unmanned drones designed to operate alongside F-35s for reconnaissance and strike missions.
Chief of Defence Michael Hyldgaard said the expansion “significantly strengthens the defence of the Kingdom” and increases Denmark’s contribution to NATO.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Grounded cargo ship successfully refloated in Canadian Arctic: company, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Hybrid-powered electric cruise ship navigates Northwest Passage, CBC News
Russia: Chinese freighter halves EU delivery time on maiden Arctic voyage to UK, Reuters
United States: U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships in Arctic waters…again, Eye on the Arctic
