In July, the three countries announced the creation of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort or ICE Pact. At that time, the United States, Canada and Finland agreed to collaborate on icebreaker production, alongside allies and partners, labor and private industry. 

This trilateral MOU comes after Russia unveiled another polar icebreaker.  In early November, Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over the launch of the country’s fourth icebreaker. Putin said strengthening Russia’s icebreaker fleet is crucial to the nation’s plans for Arctic development and boosting cargo traffic. The United States believes those plans likely include Russian access to untapped gas, oil, minerals and other natural resources in the Arctic. These Arctic resources are vital to the economic success and homeland security of the United States and its allies.  

The MOU represents a critical step in building a relationship with allies. The United States currently has two operating icebreakers. The MOU will enable the construction of an icebreaker fleet for the United States and reinforce the signal to Russia and China that the United States and its allies intend to collaborate to establish a more competitive edge in industries like shipbuilding.  

Quebec, Canada-based shipbuilder Davie is one of the private companies planning to establish operations in the United States, making a long-term commitment to American shipbuilding. A final site and U.S. partner has not yet been announced. 

Davie has been operating in Quebec, Canada, since 1825 and has delivered more than 720 ships. Davie also owns Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, which has built more than 50 percent of the world’s icebreaker fleet. It is currently building the world’s largest orderbook of heavy icebreakers for Canada as part of the ICE Pact.