Greenland’s government has asked cruise lines to limit their sailing in selected fjords, pointing to pressure on local communities and nature. The recommendation is an appeal, not a legal requirement.
Naalakkersuisut, the government of Greenland, is urging shipping companies to restrict cruise traffic in certain fjords. DR reports that the message came in a press release from the Department of Business and Minerals.
According to the department, the authorities have received several inquiries about cruise activity in specific fjord areas. The complaints concern disturbance of wildlife, noise, and the wish to preserve the areas’ nature and recreational value. The department told DR that there are no consequences for companies that ignore the advice.
High North News reported in June 2026 that the government recommends cruise navigation in fjord areas be avoided or limited as much as possible. The stated aim is to protect vulnerable nature and wildlife and to respect local hunting and fishing.
Zone system still being finalized
The department says Naalakkersuisut and the municipalities are working on more concrete restrictions. This is part of Greenland’s tourism law, which introduces zones for where cruise ships may sail. KNR reported in 2024 that the plan divides waters into green, yellow, and red zones, from no restrictions to full bans.
That work is not complete. In the meantime, cruise companies are told to contact the relevant municipality to clarify where they may sail. The department states that municipalities know which fjords are affected.
Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, the country’s largest municipality, already has a plan ready. Mayor Avaaraq Olsen told DR that she and the municipality look forward to the advice becoming more than a recommendation. As long as it remains an appeal, she does not expect operators to follow it closely.
Olsen said the municipality wants limits in Nuukfjorden, Arsukfjorden, Ikkafjorden, the fjords around Tasiilaq, and Kangersuttuaq near Ittoqqortoormiit. The restrictions will differ from place to place, she said. Local frustrations concern disturbance of whale hunting and reindeer hunting, and several ships visiting small settlements at once.
According to Olsen, some tour operators may be scared off, while others that prioritize protecting the places they visit could be attracted instead. She said the municipality wants tourism on terms that allow it to safeguard its culture and nature.
PortalCruceros reported on August 9, 2026 that Sermersooq has separately asked operators in Nuup Kangerlua, the Nuuk Fjord, to act with consideration. The outlet noted that the municipality’s zoning proposal for the fjord is still under review by the self-rule government.
Figures from Greenland’s statistics office, cited by DR, recorded 232 cruise voyages with 555 port calls in 2025.
