Overview
- A new DHS workforce plan reports an unprecedented number of Chinese military and research vessels operating in or near U.S. Arctic waters in 2025.
- The report warns that China’s expanding icebreaking fleet could challenge U.S. maritime sovereignty if future operations fall outside legal parameters.
- The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned the USCG Cutter Storis, its first new polar icebreaker in more than 25 years, while stating it needs additional modern vessels.
- DHS is prioritizing domestic construction and training programs to close shipyard labor gaps, citing shortages of welders and design engineers and noting an $8.5 billion allocation for expedited acquisitions.
- The United States, Canada and Finland affirmed an ICE Pact to revitalize shipbuilding capacity and grow their icebreaker fleets, according to DHS.