Construction begins on US icebreaker components at Pori shipyard

Production of components for US Coast Guard icebreakers has begun at the Mäntyluoto shipyard in Pori, Finland, Yle reports.

The Arctic Security Cutter vessels are part of an 11-icebreaker order agreed between Finland and the US in October 2025. Finland will build four of the ships, with two at Rauma Marine Constructions and two in cooperation with Canadian firm Inocea Group at shipyards in Helsinki, Pori, and Quebec. The remaining seven will be constructed in the US.

The first steel was cut in a ceremony attended by Finnish Employment Minister Matias Marttinen. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028.

Sata Shipbuilding CEO Niko Suomela acknowledged the tight timeline and shortage of skilled labor, stating that the industry needs a recruitment drive to attract young workers. The shipyard plans to launch its own apprenticeship program to address the gap.

Inocea Group founder James Davies praised Finland’s expertise, stating it is currently the only country capable of building high-quality icebreakers. The Arctic Security Cutters are designed for operations in polar waters where icebreaking capability is essential for Coast Guard missions.