Finland, US, Canada discuss icebreaker collaboration

Finland, United States and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to build best-in-class Arctic and Polar icebreakers.

National Coordinators of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) and other officials from the three countries met in Helsinki on March 4-5, said a government press release on Friday.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to the ICE Pact initiative and its goal to build best-in-class Arctic and Polar icebreakers, boost economic growth, and revitalize the shipbuilding industry.

All parties recognized the need to enhance our Arctic and Polar icebreaking capabilities and the mutual interest of their respective countries having a strong presence in the Arctic.

Participants discussed technical collaboration on icebreaker design and production, shipyard workforce development, allies and partners engagement, and research, development and innovation related to the Arctic and Polar regions.

The participants agreed to continue their work and to meet again in May in Canada.

Earlier in January, United States President Donald Trump announced to order 40 icebreakers for his country focusing on building a big, new American icebreaker fleet.

In November 2024, officials representing the governments of Finland, Canada and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop world-class Arctic and polar icebreakers.

The MoU was signed following the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact signed by President Alexander Stubb, his US counterpart Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau in Washington in July, 2024.