A Strategic Investment for Future-Proof, Efficient, and Sustainable Operations. Photo: Royal Greenland / linkedin

Royal Greenland Completes Fleet Renewal with High-Tech Trawler Kaassassuk

GREENLAND
Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 04:00 (GMT + 9)

Uniting Cutting-Edge Technology with Generations of Seafaring Craftsmanship

NUUK — Royal Greenland has successfully completed a multi-year fleet renewal program with the arrival of its fifth and final new trawler, the Kaassassuk, in Nuuk. The new vessel, built by Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros de Murueta, is the latest in a series of five trawlers designed to modernise the company's operations and ensure future efficiency, stability, and product quality.

Photo: Royal Greenland linkedin

The delivery journey from Bilbao concluded a few days ago for the 82.30-meter trawler, which is a sister vessel to the Tuugaalik, Nataarnaq, and Avataq. These ships are primarily designed for fishing cold-water shrimp, but can also be used for groundfish if needed. According to Royal Greenland's acting CEO, Preben Sunke, this investment is a crucial step towards the future of fishing, demonstrating the company’s commitment to product quality, operational efficiency, responsible fishing, and improved working conditions.

Photo: Royal Greenland linkedin

Technology and Automation

The Kaassassuk is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a factory deck with four IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) lines capable of processing 100 tonnes every 24 hours. It also features a specialised Japan line and an automated freezer. The vessel is highly automated, with three palletising robots that automatically stack pre-packaged products, reducing heavy lifting for the crew and ensuring consistent quality for export.

Photo: Royal Greenland linkedin

"The ship is designed to ensure high quality in production and good conditions for the crew," said Johan Berthelsen, Operations Manager of Royal Greenland's trawler division, highlighting the importance of reliability and a positive working environment during long voyages in the North Atlantic and the Arctic.

Photo: Royal Greenland linkedin

The vessel’s deck is outfitted with a comprehensive Seaonics electric winch system, featuring four 55-tonne trawl winches managed by a Scantrol control system, allowing it to tow three trawls simultaneously. It also carries a full Vónin package of shrimp trawl gear, including two pairs of Storm 2 trawl doors, one of which is the largest pair ever delivered at 18m2.

A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation

The new trawler is named after a legendary figure from Greenlandic oral tradition, Kaassassuk embodies strength forged through adversity. This symbolism is especially fitting for its captain, Michael Dahl-Nielsen, who was born in the fishing community of Qasigiannguit, North Greenland. Having started his career with Royal Greenland nearly forty years ago as a deckhand, he now commands one of the company's most advanced vessels. For Captain Dahl-Nielsen, the Kaassassuk represents a bridge between tradition and innovation, local roots and global reach.

The new vessel is powered by a MAN package, including a 7200kW main engine and a 4500mm propeller. This is the final element of a fleet renewal that began in 2019, which also included the factory trawler Sisimiut. The company plans to hold an official christening for the Kaassassuk in September.

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