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Finland, US, and Canada unite to boost icebreaker production and Arctic stability through ICE Pact partnership

Thursday 11th 2024 on 16:05 in  
Finland

Finland, the United States, and Canada are strengthening their icebreaker cooperation through the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) partnership. This essentially involves joint production of polar icebreakers and their capabilities, ensuring better peace and stability in the Arctic region.

The partnership is expected to create new jobs in Finland, especially in dockyards, ship equipment manufacturing, and related service providers. Similar benefits are anticipated for the United States and Canada. Additionally, the partnership will open up markets in the US and Canada for Finnish system and component suppliers.

The joint statement on icebreaker cooperation was given by President of Finland Alexander Stubb, US President Joe Biden, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Washington DC, USA. The partnership’s preparation has been underway since the inception of the new US administration, with formal preparations commencing earlier this year.

In the statement, the countries commit to deepening their cooperation in the construction of icebreakers and establishing a group that will direct icebreaker demand to the participating countries’ dockyards. The countries recognize the significance of the Arctic region for the economy, climate, and national security. The aim of the partnership is to uphold international rules and standards for maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic regions. The statement is neither economically nor publicly binding.