Greenland has launched its new research vessel – TARAJOQ Published 21.09.2020

Greenland’s new research vessel was launched Friday, 18 September, from the Spanish shipyard Balenciaga. In connection with the launch, the name of the research vessel, “TARAJOQ”, was also announced.

Greenland Institute of Natural Resources is grateful for the great interest that was shown in connection with the name competition earlier this year, where more than 600 suggestions were received. Subsequently a committee chose the name “Tarajoq” as the winning suggestion. The name was submitted by Aqqaluk Lynge.

Tarajoq means salt and is an old term for the sea. Among the Inuit in Canada and Alaska, Tarajoq is still used for the sea, while in modern Greenland the word ’imaq’ is used for the sea and ”taratsut” (plural of tarajoq) for salt. Tarajoq is used figuratively in the Greenlandic language, and, in an old proverb, the word is used when a speech or sermon has ‘Power and Wit’: okalûsai tarajuligssugput. Historically, the Inuit describe the world as consisting of three elements: Nuna, tarajoq and sila (land, sea and air). In Danish and English, the word is pronounced Darajoq.

The research vessel will now be completed in Spain and is going to be delivered in the Spring 2021. The official christening of the ship will happen upon arrival in Nuuk.

Like many new Greenlandic trawlers, the 61 metre-long and ice-strengthened research vessel has been built in Spain and designed by the Norwegian company Skipsteknisk. With support of Aage V. Jensens Fonde, the Government of Greenland has financed the shipbuilding, which is budgeted at DKK 235 million. The ship will replace the former research vessel ”Pâmiut”, however, with its size and equipment the new vessel will be able to carry out many more types of research and environmental tasks, just as there have been made space for educational stays, e.g. for the maritime educations.

The vessel is Greenland’s largest investment in research to date, and it reflects the importance of the living resources of the sea to the Greenlandic society. Naalakkersuisoq for Research and Environment, Jess Svane, says: “It is a proud moment for Greenland, and I am delighted that we hereby secure the best conditions for the exploration the sea and its resources”.

For further information, please contact:

Director Klaus Nygaard by phone 36 12 00 or e-mail: nygaard@natur.gl

Tarajoq was launched on the 18th of september in Spain. Photo: Balenciaga.

Tarajoq will be completed by spring. Photo: Balenciaga.