New era in Greenlandic marine research Published 12.11.2021

Tarajoq is Greenland’s new research vessel and the largest research investment to date by the Government of Greenland. The ship will promote Greenlandic and international research of the Arctic, and is a step towards increasing surveillance of shrimp and fish stocks and changes in the marine environment. Tarajoq is now ready and on its way to Norway, where noise measurements will be carried out at the shipyard. Subsequently, Tarajoq will sail to the Faroe Islands to be fitted out.

Tarajoq has been designed specifically to sail and work in Arctic waters. Due to its size and outfitting, the 61 metre modern ship will be able to sail further north and carry out more types of research and environmental tasks than has previously been possible. The technical achievement and level of ambition displayed by Tarajoq reflect the importance of marine life for Greenlandic society.

Tarajoq is funded by the Government of Greenland with support from the Aage V. Jensen’s Foundations and has cost a total of DKK 235 million. The ship was designed by Skipsteknisk AS in Norway and was built by the BALENCIAGA shipyard in Spain. Tarajoq is operated by the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources on behalf of the Government of Greenland.

Tarajoq can accommodate 12 crew members and 20 researchers. The ship will also be able to provide training stays for maritime students studying in Greenland, for example. Tarajoq is outfitted to deal with almost any type of scientific work in the Arctic: Bottom trawling and pelagic trawling, acoustic measurements of fish stocks and detailed mapping of the Greenlandic seabed several kilometres below sea level, all of which will greatly benefit researchers, fishermen and shipping.

Greenland now has its own modern ships that are expected to serve the country’s surveillance and research needs for many years to come: Tarajoq will be used on the open waters, and a smaller ship, the Sanna, will continue to carry out coastal fishing studies of important fish species such as cod and Greenlandic halibut, and take measurements of the seabed along the west coast of Greenland.

For more information, contact: Helle Siegstad, Head of the Department of Fish and Shellfish, tel. +299 583155, email helle@natur.gl.

Boas Augustussen hoisted the Greenlandic flag on the ship Tarajoq.