20/01/2026
PREPAREDNESS AND FUTURE SCENARIOS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
In Greenland, we are accustomed to handling unusual situations, such as weather-related transport delays, climate change...
Blue Water became a member of the Greenland Business Association in the 2000s. Today, Senior Manager Søren Hansen highlights legal advice, fair working conditions and a strong local business network as some of the most valuable benefits of membership.
By Rasmus Barud Thomsen
When trawlers need to be unloaded at the harbour, goods transported to and from town, or practical tasks carried out for local businesses, Blue Water is one of the companies helping to keep things moving.
The international transport and logistics company employs approximately 120 people in Greenland, with branches in Nuuk, Aasiaat, Qaqortoq, Sisimiut and Ilulissat. In Aasiaat, its activities range from transportation and cargo handling to cleaning, laundry and relocation services.
This is where Søren Hansen works as Senior Manager, overseeing the company's operations in Aasiaat and Ilulissat.
Blue Water joined the Greenland Business Association in the 2000s. For Søren Hansen, membership is about legal reassurance, fair working conditions and opportunities to build relationships with other businesses.
“It's about being part of a business community and having access to legal support on employment matters. It's also about being covered by collective agreements, allowing us to offer our employees fair working conditions and operate within a common framework,” he says.
Even when collective agreements and employment contracts are documented in writing, questions can still arise about how specific provisions should be interpreted, Søren Hansen explains.
These may concern, for example, employee allowances or other terms and conditions of employment.
“Sometimes questions arise about how a particular provision should be interpreted or whether an employee is entitled to a specific allowance. In those situations, we can turn to the Greenland Business Association for guidance on interpreting both collective agreements and employment contracts,” says Søren Hansen.
He emphasises that he has not personally experienced any major employment disputes, but having access to qualified professional advice is valuable in day-to-day operations.
“As a manager, it gives me considerable peace of mind knowing that I can seek advice and guidance from the Greenland Business Association. I also find that employees feel reassured when they receive a thorough explanation. They really appreciate that,” he says.
Membership can also be beneficial when companies submit bids for major contracts, particularly if disagreements arise regarding tendering procedures.
“In those situations, it's reassuring to have someone who can help assess whether everything has been handled in accordance with the rules,” he says.
However, membership is about more than collective agreements and legal advice.
For Søren Hansen, the local business community is equally important.
“It strengthens our local connections and provides a network where businesses can meet, exchange ideas and learn from one another,” he says.
In Aasiaat, Søren Hansen describes an active and well-functioning local business community. A few years ago, the local association underwent a generational transition, which he believes brought renewed energy and attracted new types of businesses.
Among them is a small company specialising in social media.
“It's great to have them involved in the association. They bring different expectations and perspectives compared with larger companies and more traditional industries,” he explains.
According to Søren Hansen, bringing together businesses of different sizes, backgrounds and sectors creates opportunities for fresh perspectives and new ideas.
When asked whether he would recommend that other companies join the Greenland Business Association, Søren Hansen's answer is clear.
“Yes, absolutely. I particularly value the networking opportunities and the legal support,” he says.
He also highlights how membership provides opportunities to get to know other businesses and gain insight into their expertise and capabilities.
“It's not an exclusive club where companies get together to agree on prices. It's about getting to know other businesses, understanding the products and services they offer, and exploring how we can support one another in our daily operations.”
There is another important benefit to connecting with businesses that, at first glance, may operate in entirely different industries.
“You realise that the challenges you face are not unique. Other businesses are dealing with many of the same issues. And that gives us an opportunity to learn from one another,” says Søren Hansen.
