In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Arctic, the United States has turned to Finland, the global leader in icebreaker design and construction, to strengthen its fleet of vessels capable of navigating the region’s frozen waterways. As climate change continues to open up new commercial opportunities in the Arctic, the U.S. recognises the growing importance of maintaining a robust icebreaker capability to project power and secure its interests in the region.
Under a recent deal, the U.S. Coast Guard will acquire 11 icebreakers, four of which will be built by Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions, with the remaining seven to be constructed in the U.S. using Finnish designs and expertise. This move comes as the U.S. seeks to catch up with Russia, which currently has around 40 icebreakers, including 8 that are nuclear-powered, and China, which operates a fleet of approximately 5 polar-capable vessels.
“We’re buying the finest icebreakers in the world, and Finland is known for making them,” said President Donald Trump, who has emphasised the strategic importance of the Arctic region and the need for the U.S. to bolster its capabilities there.
Finland’s expertise in icebreaker design and construction has been forged out of necessity, as the country’s harbours often freeze over during the winter months. With 97% of its goods imported by sea, Finland relies heavily on its fleet of 8 icebreakers operated by the state-owned company Arctia to keep its ports open and serve as pathfinders for larger cargo ships.
“Finland is the only country in the world where all the harbours may freeze during wintertime,” explains Maunu Visuri, the president and CEO of Arctia. “It’s really a necessity for Finland. We say that Finland is an island.”
This deep expertise in icebreaker design and construction has made Finland the global leader, with Finnish companies responsible for designing 80% of all icebreakers currently in operation and 60% of them built in Finnish shipyards.
At Aker Arctic Technology’s ice laboratory in Helsinki, engineers are continuously testing and refining the next generation of icebreakers, ensuring that they have the structural strength and engine power to navigate the Arctic’s frozen seas. The key, according to Riikka Matala, an ice performance engineer, is to have a hull form that “breaks ice by bending it downwards, not by cutting or slicing.”
This specialized knowledge and experience is what has drawn the U.S. to Finland, as it seeks to bolster its Arctic capabilities in the face of growing competition from Russia and China. The geopolitical landscape has shifted, and the U.S., along with its allies, is looking to maintain a balance of power in the region.
“The U.S., Canada and the western allies in general, are looking for the power balance,” says Kim Salmi, the managing director of Helsinki Shipyard, which hopes to secure more contracts from the U.S. Coast Guard.
As the Arctic becomes more navigable due to climate change, the need for capable icebreakers to support commercial activities, resource extraction, and military operations in the region has never been greater. By tapping into Finland’s expertise, the U.S. is positioning itself to better protect its interests and project power in this strategically crucial part of the world.