The Government of Greenland has withdrawn tenders for applications for Greenland halibut, cod and halibut in West Greenland waters, and issued two new tenders.
The original tenders were opened in 2025 under a number of terms and conditions, aiming at a spread of ownership, providing opportunities for new and preferably young players to enter the industry and establish themselves in the marine fishery sector.
These tenders were withdrawn on the grounds that ‘most applicant companies have only a few owners, which would imply a transfer of values from society to a very small group of people. In order to ensure a real diversification of ownership, Naalakkersuisut wants applicants with a larger number of owners.’
In addition, applications were for the entire quota offering, even though the tender proposed that quota
could be allocated to up to two companies as a way of spreading ownership in the seagoing fishery, and most applicants proposed using foreign capacity until they could acquire their own vessel. According to the government of Greenland, the use of foreign capacity may also open up foreign influence, which is contrary to the principles of the Fisheries Act.
New tenders have been opened. For new players in West Greenland, this is for a total of 2468.50 tonnes of Greenland halibut, 1950 tonnes of cod and 166.60 tonnes of halibut. Applicant companies must be 100% Greenlandic owned and owners must be new operators not currently involved in marine fisheries, although coastal fishery operators are welcome. Applicants are required to provide financing documentation, and chartering a Greenlandic vessel initially is allowable, plus applicants are expected to provide fishing and business plans.
A second tender is for 2468.50 tonnes of Greenland halibut in West Greenland and 5000 tonnes of cod in East Greenland. This is also aimed at new entrants to the sector, and although some owners may have a prior industry involvement, new owners or a pension fund are required to be involved to ensure diversification of ownership. Greenlandic-registered tonnage must be acquired before the end of this year, before which capacity can be chartered within Greenland. Ensuring employment of as many full-time equivalents as possible in fish production in Aasiaat is a key consideration and a plan for this must be be part of any application.
