Research Stations

Denmark maintains several research stations across its territories, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands. These stations play a crucial role in Arctic research, focusing on climate change, environmental monitoring, and various scientific studies.

Guide to Arctic Research Centers in Denmark Overview of Research Stations in Greenland

Koltur Research Station – Faroe Islands

Location: Faroe Islands

The Research Station is part of the Koltur farm and consists of a building with 6 beds, a laboratory and common facilities such as kitchen, freezer and shower.

Research Focus:

  • Marine biology
  • Terrestrial ecology
  • Climate monitoring
  • Biodiversity studies
Koltur Research Station

Faroe Islands Nature Investigation

Description: A comprehensive research facility dedicated to studying the unique natural environment of the Faroe Islands.

Research Areas:

  • Environmental monitoring
  • Ecosystem research
  • Climate change impacts
  • Marine research
Faroe Islands Nature Investigation

Villum Research Station

Location: Station Nord, northeastern Greenland

Operated by Aarhus University in cooperation with the Danish Defense, this station is a state-of-the-art facility supporting up to 14 scientists at a time.

Research Focus:

  • Atmospheric research
  • Marine studies
  • Terrestrial research
  • Long-term monitoring of atmospheric pollution
  • Climate change effects
Villum Research Station

Arctic DTU Research Station

Location: Sisimiut, West Greenland

A multidisciplinary research facility equipped with modern laboratories and workshops for comprehensive Arctic research.

Research Areas:

  • Climate change studies
  • Geophysical changes
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Permafrost monitoring
  • Glacial activity research
Arctic DTU Research Station

University of Copenhagen Arctic Station

Location: Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland

One of the oldest research stations in Greenland, providing excellent facilities for year-round research in the Arctic environment.

Research Focus:

  • Arctic biology
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Long-term climate monitoring
University of Copenhagen Arctic Station

Policy

Kingdom of Denmark
Greenland
United Nations
US State Department
Security Policy
Academic Research

The Faroe Islands in the Arctic

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture

2022

Icebreakers

Denmark maintains a fleet of patrol vessels capable of operating in ice conditions to support its activities in Greenland's waters. The fleet consists of two main classes of vessels:

  • The Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessels, which are specifically designed for Arctic operations with strong ice-breaking capabilities.
  • The Thetis-class ocean patrol vessels, which are larger ships with more limited ice-breaking capabilities but broader patrol and enforcement roles.
Source: Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessel Source: Thetis-class patrol vessel

1. Knud Rasmussen-Class Patrol Vessels

Knud Rasmussen HDMS Ejnar Mikkelsen (P571)
Image Knud Rasmussen HDMS Ejnar Mikkelsen
Date of Launch 2006 2007
Introduction Knud Rasmussen and her sister ships normally operate in the waters around Greenland. HDMS Knud Rasmussen is capable of breaking through ice up to 80 cm thick.

Knud Rasmussen participated in Operation Nanook 2010, in August 2010, in Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait, with Canadian and American vessels.		 Launched in November 2007, she is the second vessel of the Knud Rasmussen class. The normal patrol area of the Ejnar Mikkelsen, and her sister ships, will be the waters around Greenland.
Dimensions (m) Length: 71 m
Beam (Width): 14.6 m
Draft: 4.9 m		 Length: LOA 71.8 m LWL 61 m
Beam (Width): 14.6 m
Draft: 4.9 m
Displacement (ton) 1,720 tons 1,748 tons
Power Source 2 × MAN B&W Diesel ALPHA 8L27/28 generating 2,720 kW each 2 × MAN B&W Diesel ALPHA 8L27/28 generating 2,720 kW (3,650 hp) each

2. Thetis-Class Ocean Patrol Vessels

HDMS Thetis (F357) HDMS Triton (F358) HDMS Vædderen (F359) HDMS Hvidbjørnen (F360)
Image HDMS Thetis HDMS Triton HDMS Vædderen HDMS Hvidbjørnen
Date of Launch 1989 1990 1990 1991
Introduction HDMS Thetis is a Thetis-class ocean patrol vessel belonging to the Royal Danish Navy. In mid-1990s the ship served as a platform for seismic operations in the waters near Greenland. In 2002 she took over the role from her sister ship Hvidbjørnen as a platform for Commander Danish Task Group. The role was handed over to Absalon in September 2007.

February - April 2008 Thetis served as protection against pirates for the World Food Programme chartered ships carrying food aid off the Horn of Africa. A squad of soldiers from the Frogman Corps was deployed aboard the ship.		 HDMS Triton is a Thetis-class frigate belonging to the Royal Danish Navy. It is being used to exercise Danish sovereignty over the waters around Greenland and the Faroe Islands. HDMS (Her Danish Majesty's Ship) Vædderen (F359) is a Thetis-class ocean patrol vessel of the Royal Danish Navy. She is employed to exercise Danish sovereignty in waters around the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Vædderen (Aries) was recently refitted at Karstensens Shipyard A/S in Skagen, Denmark and sailed from Amaliehaven, Copenhagen in 2006 on the Galathea 3 scientific expedition. Galathea 3 is now complete and Vædderen is back in service as an inspection ship.		 Hvidbjørnen served as a platform for Commander Danish Task Group from 1998 to 2002, whereafter her sister ship Thetis assumed the role.
Dimensions (m) Length: 112.5 m
Beam (Width): 14.4 m
Draft: 6.0 m		 Length: 112.5 m
Beam (Width): 14.4 m
Draft: 6.0 m		 Length: 112.5 m
Beam (Width): 14.4 m
Draft: 6.0 m		 Length: 112.5 m
Beam (Width): 14.4 m
Draft: 6.0 m
Displacement (ton) 3,500 tons full load 3,500 tons, standard 3,500 tons, standard 3,500 tons, standard
Power Source 3 × MAN B&W Diesel L28/32A-D (2,940 kW), single shaft
1 × Brunvoll azimuth thruster (800 kW)
1 × electrical Brunvoll bow thruster (600 kW)		 3 × MAN B&W Diesel L28/32A-D (2,940 kW), single shaft
1 × Brunvoll azimuth thruster (800 kW)
1 × electrical Brunvoll bow thruster (600 kW)		 3 × MAN B&W Diesel L28/32A-D (2,940 kW), single shaft
1 × Brunvoll azimuth thruster (800 kW)
1 × electrical Brunvoll bow thruster (600 kW)		 3 × MAN B&W Diesel L28/32A-D diesel engine (2,940 kW / 3,943 hp each)
1 shaft / 1 propeller
1 × Brunvoll retractable azimuth thruster (800 kW)
1 × Brunvoll bow thruster (600 kW)

Scientific Expedition

Danish Arctic Expeditions

Denmark has a rich history of Arctic exploration and continues to conduct significant scientific expeditions in the region, particularly in Greenland. These expeditions contribute valuable data to our understanding of Arctic ecosystems, climate change, and environmental impacts.

For more information about Danish Arctic expeditions, visit the Danish Arctic Institute: Greenland Expeditions, which offers a comprehensive view of research activities and findings.

2019-2020 2015 2010 2008

Event Timeline

Denmark has a rich history of Arctic exploration and development, with significant milestones in research, governance, and international cooperation. Here's a chronological overview of major events that have shaped Denmark's Arctic presence.

Source: List of Arctic Expeditions
1952
1979
1991
2004
2008
2011
2014
2015
2016
2021
2024
1952

Establishment of Station Nord

Denmark set up Station Nord in northeastern Greenland as a weather and emergency station, which later became a crucial research hub for atmospheric and climate studies.

Source: Station Nord, Greenland - Wikipedia
1979

Introduction of Greenland's Home Rule

Greenland attained home rule, granting it autonomy over internal affairs, including decisions related to Arctic exploration and research.

Source: Danish Arctic Institute: Greenland Expeditions
1991

Launch of the Zackenberg Research Station

Located in Northeast Greenland, this station was founded to focus on ecosystem and climate research. It plays a key role in studying climate change impacts on Arctic ecosystems.

Source: Zackenberg Research Station - INTERACT
1991

Establishment of the Danish Arctic Institute

Founded to collect and preserve documentation related to Danish activities in the Arctic, supporting research and public knowledge.

Source: Danish Arctic Institute
2004

Creation of the Joint Arctic Command (JACO)

Denmark established JACO to oversee military operations and sovereignty enforcement in the Arctic regions of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies
2008

International Polar Year (IPY)

Denmark and Greenland took active roles in international Arctic research during the IPY, focusing on Arctic climate systems and sea-level rise, especially the melting Greenland Ice Sheet.

Source: International Polar Year - Wikipedia
2008

Ilulissat Declaration

Denmark, along with other Arctic coastal states, signed the Ilulissat Declaration, affirming commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Source: The Arctic Institute
2011

Denmark's Arctic Strategy 2011–2020

Denmark released its first comprehensive Arctic strategy, emphasizing security, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Source: University of Southern Denmark
2014

Establishment of the Arctic Economic Council

Denmark supported the creation of the Arctic Economic Council to promote sustainable economic development in the Arctic region.

Source: Arctic Policies of the Nordic Countries
2015

Inauguration of the Villum Research Station

Located near Station Nord, the Villum Research Station became a vital site for atmospheric, marine, and terrestrial research, focusing on climate change in the high Arctic.

Source: Villum Research Station
2016

Denmark's Foreign and Security Policy Strategy

The strategy highlighted the Arctic as a key priority, focusing on security, international cooperation, and economic interests.

Source: The Arctic Institute
2021

Updated Arctic Policy

Denmark released an updated Arctic policy, reinforcing its commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Source: Denmark's Strategic Interests in the Arctic
2024

Denmark's Upcoming Chairmanship of the Arctic Council

Denmark is set to assume the chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2025, aiming to address challenges and opportunities in the Arctic region.

Source: The Copenhagen Post