Arctia signs Canadian Arctic icebreaking contract

Finnish state-owned company Arctia has signed a chartering contract to operate one multipurpose icebreaker in the Canadian Arctic, Yle reports.

The company will provide icebreaking services in the region towards the end of the year. The contract is initially for one year and includes options for an extension. The end customer is the Canadian Coast Guard.

Under the agreement, Arctia will provide maritime services supporting the coast guard’s civilian operations, including icebreaking, assistance and ice management. The company said it will not take part in official authority duties or defence operations.

Arctia described the agreement as a significant assignment that strengthens its position as an international provider of Arctic and demanding icebreaking services.

The company said the charter will not affect its special task in Finland or the safeguarding of winter navigation in the Baltic Sea region.

Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen praised the agreement on the messaging service X, calling it an excellent example of Finnish expertise in ensuring safe navigation in the Arctic. “Finland knows how to break ice,” Valtonen wrote.