newstodate.aero
Oct 30, 2020 (newstodate): A political solution has finally been found to the controversial issue of the service contract for the US Air Force Base at Thule/Qaanaaq.
Following a tender process, Greenland Contractors owned by Greenland Holding A/S and MT Højgaard A/S lost its traditional contract and was replaced with the US-owned company Vectrus's Danish subsidiary Exelis Services from September 2015 till September 2022.
According to an international agreement, only Danish and Greenlandic companies may bid on contracts for operating the polar base, which was however circumvented by the US bidder by establishing a Danish subsidiary.
The issue raised strong objections, however, as many local jobs were lost, and Greenland lost much-needed income.
Now, an agreement has been firmed up between the governments of USA, Denmark and Greenland to the effect that the earlier agreement will be respected when the current contract expires - meaning that the jobs and revenues will return to Greenland.
The service contract includes civil engineering, airfield and water port operations, fuel management, transportation, non-secure communications, environmental management, food service, medical/public health, supply, recreation and community services.
Besides its military functions, the Thule AFB also provides the region with critical aviation services as well as SAR.
Following a tender process, Greenland Contractors owned by Greenland Holding A/S and MT Højgaard A/S lost its traditional contract and was replaced with the US-owned company Vectrus's Danish subsidiary Exelis Services from September 2015 till September 2022.
According to an international agreement, only Danish and Greenlandic companies may bid on contracts for operating the polar base, which was however circumvented by the US bidder by establishing a Danish subsidiary.
The issue raised strong objections, however, as many local jobs were lost, and Greenland lost much-needed income.
Now, an agreement has been firmed up between the governments of USA, Denmark and Greenland to the effect that the earlier agreement will be respected when the current contract expires - meaning that the jobs and revenues will return to Greenland.
The service contract includes civil engineering, airfield and water port operations, fuel management, transportation, non-secure communications, environmental management, food service, medical/public health, supply, recreation and community services.
Besides its military functions, the Thule AFB also provides the region with critical aviation services as well as SAR.