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U.S., Canada, and Finland Formalize Icebreaker Plan, Pledge Buildout of 11 Ships

A new joint statement of intent commits the partners to coordinated design, shipyard work, and workforce training to accelerate Arctic capabilities.

Overview

  • Officials from the three countries signed the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort joint statement in Washington, setting out concrete steps for trilateral industrial cooperation.
  • The plan envisions 11 new icebreakers over the next several years, with four to be built in Finland and seven in U.S. shipyards as outlined by U.S. officials.
  • DHS announced a U.S. National Workforce Development Plan, including an $8 million International Shipbuilding Fellowship to train American workers in Finnish yards.
  • Procurement groundwork includes the U.S. selection of a Seaspan/Aker Arctic design for six Arctic Security Cutters and Chantier Davie’s roughly $1 billion acquisition and modernization of Texas shipyard assets.
  • An Industry Day on November 20 will engage private-sector partners on implementation, with additional government meetings planned into 2026 as leaders emphasize Arctic security drivers.