A new law passed in May 2024 makes it easier to see who owns fishing boats in Greenland.
Due to this law, the government has now published a comprehensive list of the owners of fishing companies and their associated vessels.
The report was made by the Department of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture, and Self-Sufficiency. It includes companies with offshore licenses and those that fish for shrimp and crab. Companies and their owners are shown in a simple format: green for companies, grey for owners, and blue for vessels.
This information is essential. It helps the public, the government, and the fishing industry understand who controls Greenland’s marine resources.
Major Companies
One of the most prominent players is Royal Greenland A/S, which is 100% owned by the Government of Greenland. Royal Greenland owns many of the country’s largest trawlers, such as Akamalik, Avataq, and Sisimiut. These ships are used for large-scale fishing operations, often far from the coast.
Another key company is Polar Seafood Greenland A/S, which is owned by three Greenlandic shareholders: Miki Jonas Brøns (50%), Laila Friis-Salling (25%), and Bent Friis-Salling (25%). This company owns several large vessels, including Polar Arfivik, Polar Qaasiut, and Polar Princess.
Other large companies include Ice Trawl Greenland A/S, Qaleralik A/S, and Qajaq Trawl A/S. These businesses often have multiple owners, with shares split between families, individuals, and other companies. In many cases, the same people appear as owners in different companies.
Local and Family-Owned Businesses
The report also lists smaller, often family-owned companies. These include:
- Brdr. Siegstad ApS – owned by members of the Siegstad family and partly by Polar Seafood.
- Frank Torben Rosendahl Johansen, who owns 100% of his company and operates the boat Bingo III.
- Savik ApS and Frans Peter ApS, which are owned by a mix of private individuals and Royal Greenland.
Many of these smaller operators own only one or two boats and work closer to the coast.
Why This Matters
The report reveals that Greenland’s fishing industry comprises both large companies and smaller, local businesses. The new law, which took effect in January 2025, aims to increase transparency in ownership. This is important because the fishing industry relies on public resources—fish stocks that belong to everyone.
Knowing who owns what also helps prevent illegal activity and ensures fair competition. It provides the public with a clearer understanding of how the fishing industry operates.
As Greenland continues to develop its fishing laws and economy, this ownership report will be updated regularly. It gives everyone—from local fishermen to government officials—a tool to track changes and understand who benefits from Greenland’s most valuable natural resource.