Minister Puisto: Progress on icebreaker orders is a significant economic signal for Finland

Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto is pleased with the agreement on icebreaker cooperation between the United States Coast Guard and the Rauma shipyard, according to which two icebreakers will be built at the shipyard. Negotiations between the Coast Guard and the Helsinki shipyard are also likely to be concluded in the near future, bringing the number of icebreakers to be built in Finland up to four.

The agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding between Finland and the United States signed by President of the Republic Alexander Stubb and President of the United States Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. in October 2025. The icebreaker order is a concrete example of long-term cooperation between Finland and the United States and will also serve to strengthen cooperation within the ICE Pact between Finland, the United States and Canada.

“Finnish shipyards build the world’s best icebreakers and largest cruise ships. Securing this icebreaker order is a great thing for Finland and our entire maritime industry. This order will raise the status of Finnish companies in the global value chain while boosting Finland’s competitiveness and increasing our export income,” said Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto. 

“The preparations for building the icebreakers began at the shipyards this past autumn, but now we are moving towards full-scale implementation. Finland’s shipyards, combined with our extensive network of subcontractors and partners, are unique by international standards. This makes it possible for us to deliver even the most demanding vessels quickly and with a high level of quality,” said Minister Puisto.

The United States has ordered a total of 11 icebreakers, seven of which will be built in the United States and four in Finland. 

“The planning, technology solutions and system deliveries of Finnish companies will also play a key role in the vessels built in the United States,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto. 

On 18 November 2025, Finland, the United States and Canada signed a trilateral declaration confirming support for the ICE Pact initiative launched in autumn 2024 with the goal of intensifying cooperation in developing world-class Arctic and polar icebreakers and related capabilities. This cooperation strengthens Finland’s position as a leading actor in the field while enhancing the ability of its allies to operate in the Arctic region.

Inquiries: 
Reko-Antti Suojanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7220
Lars Aikala, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 29 50 47330