Naalakkersuisut has signed a contract with the consulting firm Rambøll to prepare a needs assessment for a potential port expansion in Ittoqqortoormiit. The contract marks an important step in the effort to establish a solid basis for decision-making regarding future investments in port infrastructure in East Greenland.
Naalakkersuisoq for Infrastructure, Housing, Outlying Districts, and Emergency Preparedness, Iddimanngiiu Jensen Bianco, is pleased that the work is now entering a new phase.
“The residents of Ittoqqortoormiit have long called for better port facilities. With this contract with Rambøll, we are now taking an important step from wishes and visions to concrete planning. The needs assessment will ensure that we make the right decisions based on sound information, so that a future port solution is tailored to the actual needs of the town and the region.“
Among other things, the needs assessment will examine the port’s future functions, capacity requirements, and possible solution models. The work includes collecting existing data, engaging in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, and evaluating various development scenarios for the port. The analysis will examine factors such as security of supply, business development, fisheries, emergency preparedness, passenger transport, and accessibility.
Rambøll will involve a number of key stakeholders in the process, including local residents and fishermen, the Municipality of Sermersooq, Royal Arctic Line, Royal Greenland, Air Greenland, KNI, and the Danish Armed Forces. The goal is to ensure that local experiences and needs become an integral part of the decision-making process.
According to Naalakkersuisoq Iddimanngiiu Jensen Bianco, it is crucial that the upcoming analysis provide clarity on how a future port can best support the development of the local community:
“Ittoqqortoormiit is one of Greenland’s most isolated communities, and good transportation and supply infrastructure are crucial for settlement, business development, and quality of life. That is why it is important that we work thoroughly and professionally to identify these needs, so that we can create the best possible foundation for future investments.“
Rambøll expects to complete the analysis in the summer of 2026 and submit a comprehensive report in time for the Naalakkersuisoq to present the analysis to the Inatsisartut during the fall session. Among other things, the report will include a needs, capacity, and functional analysis, as well as an assessment of various overarching design principles for a future port.
“The signing of this contract means that there is now concrete progress in the matter of port development in Ittoqqortoormiit. Naalakkersuisut looks forward to receiving the results of the analysis and to further dialogue on how we can best strengthen the infrastructure and development opportunities in the area,” concludes Naalakkersuisoq Iddimanngiiu Jensen Bianco.
