Finland and USA deepen icebreaker cooperation

Finland and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding on icebreaker cooperation. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and US President Donald Trump signed the memorandum of understanding at their meeting in Washington on 9 October. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also attended the meeting. This memorandum of understanding lays the foundation for commercial agreements between the United States Coast Guard and Finnish companies.

Finland and the United States are deepening their cooperation in the design and construction of icebreakers. The United States is procuring 11 new icebreakers for its Coast Guard, four of which are planned to be constructed in Finland.

This is the culmination of long-term efforts, and the first time the United States is building icebreakers in another country.

This deeper partnership in icebreakers also includes the development of competence and joint research.

"These are the kind of positive news Finland needs. The Finnish Government and ministries have been working for months to achieve concrete results. Closer cooperation with the United States is very important to Finland's maritime industry, economy, and employment. The historic joint meeting with the President and Prime Minister reflects the strong relationship between our countries. I am very happy that the US is placing its trust in Finland," said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

"This partnership is based on Finland’s and the United States’ shared goal of strengthening the development and security of the Arctic. At the same time, we are securing the Alliance’s ability to operate and its critical capabilities as the strategic importance of the Arctic and polar regions grows," said Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

This cooperation is also in line with the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) between Finland, the United States, and Canada.

"This is great news. Our shipyards build the world’s best icebreakers and largest cruise ships. We also have an extensive subcontractor and partner network that together make a unique package," said Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

"The signing of this memorandum of understanding is a concrete step that further deepens our countries’ partnership in icebreakers. This is a strong recognition of Finland's rock solid maritime and icebreaker expertise. I am proud of Finland and happy that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has been closely involved in building a deeper partnership between our countries," said Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

Inquiries: Pasi Rajala, Political Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 275 and Mikko Martikkala, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in Economic Affairs, tel. +358 295 161 171

The email addresses of the ministries are in the format [email protected].