The United States, Canada, and Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaboratively develop world-class Arctic and polar icebreakers through the exchange of knowledge, information, and resources. 

The landmark agreement builds off the launch of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact by Prime Minister Trudeau, President Stubb, and President Biden on the margins of the NATO Washington Summit in July.

In signing the ICE Pact MOU, the countries have embarked on a partnership that strengthens their ability to uphold international rules and maintain security in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. 

Building these specialized vessels at a faster pace, on a larger scale, and at competitive costs is a shared priority.

Demand for these specialized, hard-to-build ships is arguably at an all-time high, with more than 80 open projects among Western countries.

Russia has a fleet of 40 icebreakers and more in production, according to U.S. officials.

China has declared itself a “near Arctic state” and has been engaged in a major program to construct icebreakers.

“This arrangement underscores our collective commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Arctic and polar regions, and is a testament to the strength of allied cooperation in addressing strategic challenges,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement.

The ICE Pact includes enhanced information exchange between the United States, Canada, and Finland, workforce development collaboration, engagement with allies and partners, and research and development. 

“The collective investment in our domestic shipyards has the potential to scale production and reduce the cost of Arctic and polar icebreakers for our own use and for our allies and partners,” the statement added.