Greenland Energy proposes seal skin diplomacy for Arctic drilling

Greenland Energy, a Texas-based company established in 2025, is proposing a strategy termed ‘seal skin diplomacy’ to secure oil drilling permissions in Greenland. The company suggests that the United States and Europe could purchase seal skins discarded by locals to appease the population and facilitate access to resources.

The company claims that up to $1 trillion worth of crude oil may exist beneath Jameson Land. However, the Greenland government stopped issuing new oil licenses in 2021, though it has grandfathered older active licenses. Greenland Energy has already faced warnings from the Greenland government after moving machinery and shipping containers into Jameson Land without valid regulatory approvals.

The proposal faces significant legal hurdles, as the sale of seal skins is currently prohibited in Europe and has been banned in the United States since the 1970s. The company reportedly maintains connections to President Donald Trump, and the pursuit of Arctic resources has previously raised concerns regarding Greenlandic sovereignty.