GL Prefix and Three-Character Location Code
Greenland UN/LOCODEs begin with the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 prefix GL, followed by three characters identifying the location. Examples in the indexed sample include GLUAK for Narsarsuaq and GLJFR for Paamiut.
Seaports in Greenland: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Greenland has 18 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database, supporting dispersed coastal supply chains, fisheries, project cargo and Arctic community logistics.
Explore Greenland port codes, regional cargo roles and indicative sea-freight lanes for planning purposes.
Greenland Port Overview
Greenland’s maritime network is shaped by long distances, limited road connections between settlements and seasonal Arctic operating conditions. The figures below distinguish Ecer Freight’s indexed coverage from official national statistics and port-level throughput reporting.
18
Greenland ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
—
2025 consolidated maritime cargo tonnage (YoY: not published)
Statistics Greenland 2025
—
2025 national container throughput in TEU (YoY: not published)
Statistics Greenland 2025
—
2025 nationwide commercial berth count (YoY: not published)
Government of Greenland 2025
How many seaports does Greenland have?
Greenland has 18 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its Nov 2026 database snapshot. This is an indexed coverage figure, not a claim that it represents every landing place or privately operated facility.
Which ports are among Greenland’s busiest?
The indexed sample places Narsarsuaq (GLUAK), Paamiut (GLJFR), Nanortalik (GLJNN), Tasiilaq (GLAGM), Ilulissat (GLJAV) and Sisimiut (GLJHS) among the principal locations requiring port-code and service review. Public port-level TEU league-table data is limited.
Which areas handle most Greenland cargo?
Cargo activity is distributed across southern, western and eastern coastal communities. Narsarsuaq (GLUAK), Paamiut (GLJFR), Ilulissat (GLJAV) and Sisimiut (GLJHS) are useful reference points for regional routing, subject to vessel schedules and seasonal conditions.
Top Greenland Ports by Indexed Activity
This table uses the order of the Ecer Freight sample as an activity-oriented reference. Greenland does not have a consistently published, comparable 2025 port-by-port container league table; therefore, unavailable world rank, throughput and year-on-year fields are left together as “—” rather than estimated.
Indexed port sample and publicly reported 2025 container metrics
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Narsarsuaq | GLUAK | — | — | South Greenland |
| — | Paamiut | GLJFR | — | — | West Greenland |
| — | Nanortalik | GLJNN | — | — | South Greenland |
| — | Tasiilaq | GLAGM | — | — | East Greenland |
| — | Kangerdluarssoruseg (faringehavn | GLFHN | — | — | West Greenland |
| — | Ilulissat (jakobshavn) | GLJAV | — | — | West Greenland |
| — | Qasigiannguit (christianshaab) | GLJCH | — | — | West Greenland |
| — | Aasiaat (egedesminde) | GLJEG | — | — | West Greenland |
Greenland Port Regions
Regional groupings help shippers compare coastal access and likely feeder requirements. City and province fields follow the values available in the Ecer Freight port sample; blank source fields are shown as “—”.
South Greenland
Southern locations support community supply, fisheries, tourism-related cargo and project logistics, with routing affected by ice, weather and sailing frequency.
South Greenland indexed ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narsarsuaq | GLUAK | Narsarsuaq / — | Regional supply and project logistics |
| Nanortalik | GLJNN | — / — | Community supply and fisheries |
| Qaqortoq (julianehaab) | GLJJU | — / — | South-coast regional distribution |
West Greenland
The west coast contains the largest concentration of indexed locations and connects coastal communities through scheduled and seasonal maritime services.
West Greenland indexed ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paamiut | GLJFR | Paamiut / — | Coastal supply and fisheries |
| Kangerdluarssoruseg (faringehavn | GLFHN | — / — | Local maritime and fishing activity |
| Ilulissat (jakobshavn) | GLJAV | — / — | Regional supply, fisheries and tourism logistics |
| Qasigiannguit (christianshaab) | GLJCH | — / — | Community supply and fisheries |
| Aasiaat (egedesminde) | GLJEG | — / — | West-coast distribution and fisheries |
| Qeqertarsuaq (godhavn) | GLJGO | — / — | Community supply and tourism logistics |
| Kangilinguit (gronnedal) | GLJGR | — / — | Local supply and project cargo |
| Sisimiut (holsteinsborg) | GLJHS | — / — | Regional cargo, fisheries and supplies |
East and North Greenland
Eastern and northern locations require careful planning for sailing windows, transshipment, ice conditions and final-mile delivery to isolated communities or operational sites.
East and North Greenland indexed ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasiilaq | GLAGM | Tasiilaq / — | East-coast community supply |
| Kulusuk | GLKUS | Kulusuk / — | Regional supply and air-sea logistics |
| Illorqortoormiut (scoresbysund) | GLOBY | — / — | Remote community and project logistics |
| Qaanaaq | GLNAQ | Qaanaaq / — | High-Arctic community supply |
| Pituffik | GLTHU | Pituffik / — | Specialized and operational logistics |
| Uummannaq | GLUMD | Uummannaq / — | Northwest community supply and fisheries |
| Maniitsoq (sukkertoppen) | GLJSU | — / — | Coastal supply and fisheries |
Greenland Port Codes and UN/LOCODEs
UN/LOCODEs provide a standardized way to identify transport locations in shipping instructions, customs documents, booking requests and transport-management systems.
City-Level and Terminal-Level References
A UN/LOCODE may identify a city, port area, terminal or other transport location. The code should be matched against the actual booking location, receiving point and carrier instructions because a coastal settlement may have several operational handling points.
How to Verify a Greenland Port Code
Compare the requested location with the UNECE reference framework and the Ecer Freight port directory. Confirm the exact code with the carrier or local agent before issuing shipping documents.
Shipping from Greenland: Main Trade Lanes
Greenland sea freight is generally routed through scheduled coastal services, feeder connections and transshipment arrangements. Transit times are indicative only and depend on season, sailing frequency, ice conditions, cargo type and final delivery point.
South Greenland Supply Lane
A practical planning lane for containerized provisions, construction materials and general cargo serving southern communities.
West Coast Container and General Cargo
West-coast services support recurring community supplies, fisheries inputs, retail cargo and project shipments.
East Greenland Remote Delivery
Remote east-coast deliveries require additional attention to sailing windows, weather exposure, handling capacity and onward distribution.
North and High-Arctic Project Cargo
Specialized cargo to northern locations may require project planning, equipment confirmation and extended lead-time allowances.
Data Methodology and Sources
The page separates first-party indexed coverage from public statistics and indicative logistics analysis. Port-level operating details and sailing schedules should be reconfirmed before booking.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — 18 Greenland port and terminal records indexed in the Nov 2026 database snapshot.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE naming and location-code reference framework.
- Statistics Greenland — official statistical context for available 2025 transport and economic indicators.
- Government of Greenland — official government context for infrastructure, transport and maritime policy information.
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — navigational and maritime reference context; port operations remain subject to local confirmation.
Greenland Port FAQ
How many seaports does Greenland have?
Greenland has 18 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the Nov 2026 database snapshot. The figure represents indexed coverage and may not include every landing place or private facility.
Which is the largest or busiest port in Greenland?
A definitive 2025 port-by-port TEU ranking is not consistently published for Greenland. Narsarsuaq (GLUAK), Paamiut (GLJFR), Ilulissat (GLJAV) and Sisimiut (GLJHS) are important indexed reference locations, but operational importance varies by cargo type and season.
What do Greenland port codes look like?
Greenland UN/LOCODEs use the GL country prefix followed by three location characters. Examples include GLUAK for Narsarsuaq, GLJFR for Paamiut and GLJAV for Ilulissat (jakobshavn).
Which regions of Greenland handle the most maritime cargo?
Maritime activity is distributed across South, West, East and North Greenland. West-coast locations have a broad range of community, fisheries and supply functions, while remote eastern and northern locations require more specialized planning.
How current is the Greenland port information?
The indexed coverage snapshot is dated Nov 2026, while the latest complete statistical reference year is 2025. Schedules, port services, ice conditions and local handling arrangements can change and should be confirmed before shipment.
Can an FCL or LCL quote be requested for Greenland?
FCL and LCL rate requests can be submitted through the relevant Ecer Freight quotation pages. A useful request should include the origin, destination port code, cargo description, dimensions, gross weight, ready date and any special handling requirements.
What should shippers check before booking Greenland sea freight?
Shippers should verify the exact UN/LOCODE, carrier acceptance, sailing frequency, seasonal restrictions, transshipment plan, local handling capability, documentation requirements and final-mile delivery arrangements.
Editorial note: Greenland port coverage is compiled from the Ecer Freight database and reviewed against available official and international reference sources. Indexed port records are refreshed with the site database, while public statistics and operating conditions may follow different release schedules. Port calls, rates, transit times and service availability remain subject to carrier and local-agent confirmation.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Greenland: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact