Canada signs new partnership agreement with United States and Finland to produce Arctic and polar icebreakers
November 13, 2024
Canada has signed a new partnership agreement with the United States and Finland to produce six new Arctic and polar icebreakers. The agreement was signed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö at a ceremony in Ottawa.
The new icebreakers will be built in Canada by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and will be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Finnish Border Guard. The first icebreaker is expected to be delivered in 2029.
The new icebreakers will be used to support a variety of missions, including:
- Search and rescue operations
- Environmental protection
- Resource development
- Scientific research
- National security
The agreement is a significant step forward in Canada’s efforts to strengthen its Arctic presence. The new icebreakers will give Canada the capability to operate in the Arctic year-round, which will allow it to better protect its sovereignty and respond to emergencies.
The agreement is also a sign of the growing cooperation between Canada, the United States, and Finland in the Arctic. The three countries share a common interest in ensuring the stability and security of the region.
Quotes
“This agreement is a major step forward in our efforts to strengthen Canada’s Arctic presence,” said Prime Minister Trudeau. “These new icebreakers will give us the capability to operate in the Arctic year-round, which will allow us to better protect our sovereignty and respond to emergencies.”
“The Arctic is a vital region for the United States, and these new icebreakers will help us to maintain our presence in the region and protect our interests,” said President Biden. “This agreement is a testament to the strong partnership between the United States and Canada.”
“Finland is a leading nation in Arctic research and technology, and we are pleased to partner with Canada and the United States on this important project,” said President Niinistö. “These new icebreakers will help to ensure the safety and security of the Arctic region.”
Background
Canada has a long history of operating icebreakers in the Arctic. The first Canadian icebreaker, the CCGS Arctic, was built in 1898. Today, the Canadian Coast Guard operates a fleet of 11 icebreakers.
The United States also has a long history of operating icebreakers in the Arctic. The first U.S. icebreaker, the USS Polar Star, was built in 1946. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard operates a fleet of three icebreakers.
Finland is a leading nation in Arctic research and technology. The Finnish Border Guard operates a fleet of five icebreakers.
The Arctic is a region of growing importance for Canada, the United States, and Finland. The region is home to vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. It is also a key shipping route for goods and services.
The Arctic is also a region of increasing geopolitical importance. The United States, Russia, China, and other countries are all vying for influence in the region.
The new icebreakers will help Canada, the United States, and Finland to maintain their presence in the Arctic and protect their interests.
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