Finland, the United States and Canada to intensify their icebreaker collaboration

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 42/2024
11 July 2024 

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of the United States Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau issued a joint statement on icebreaker collaboration in Washington D.C. on Thursday 11 July 2024.

In the joint statement, Finland, the United States and Canada resolve to deepen their cooperation in the production of best-in-class icebreakers. The countries will establish a partnership to encourage demand for icebreakers to be channelled to shipyards in the participating countries for the benefit of all parties.

The Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, or ICE Pact, allows Finland to contribute its Arctic expertise to transatlantic cooperation. Finland punches above its weight in the marine industry and especially in the field of equipment for ice conditions.

The partnership will provide new opportunities for business and industry. It will also open up the market for Finnish systems and components suppliers for ships to be built in the United States and Canada, as well as for shipyard modernisation.

The joint statement recognizes the importance of the Arctic region for the economy, climate and national security. The partnership aims to uphold international rules and standards to sustain peace and stability in the Arctic region.

The initiative offers a new role for Finland in the North American critical infrastructure supply chain. The icebreaker collaboration will further deepen Finland’s wide-ranging relations with two key allies and strategic partners.

The joint statement is financially and legally non-binding. Next, the partners will begin negotiations on an implementation plan to be drawn up over the next six months.

• Joint Statement on ICE Pact
  
  

Inquiries:

• Lauri Tierala, Chief of Staff, Office of the President of the Republic of Finland, lauri.tierala@tpk.fi, +358 295 226 244
• Petri Peltonen, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, petri.peltonen@gov.fi, +358 506 2663
• Jari Sinkari, Director General, Department for the Americas and Asia, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Jari.sinkari@gov.fi, +358 295 350 083
• Petri Hakkarainen, Director General, Political Department, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, petri.hakkarainen@gov.fi, +358 295 351 130