The White House is set to formalize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Finland today, paving the way for the acquisition of four icebreakers from Finnish shipyards, according to officials from both nations.
Stubb: Deal Benefits Both Countries
Finnish President Alexander Stubb announced the agreement on X, stating, „The MOU lays the foundation for commercial agreements between the United States Coast Guard and Finnish companies.” He added, „I’m proud that Finnish arctic expertise is appreciated and trusted. The cooperation benefits both countries, Finland and the United States. The deal would not have been possible without President [Donald] Trump.”
Arctic Security Cutters to Bolster US Coast Guard
Under the agreement, Finnish shipyards will construct four Arctic Security Cutters (ASC), described as medium-sized icebreakers. These vessels will operate alongside the Coast Guard’s largest class of ships, the new Polar Security Cutter.
Investment in Arctic Capabilities
The icebreaker program, in its entirety, is projected to cost $6.1 billion.
Parallel Production by US Shipyards
Concurrently, the US Coast Guard is also progressing with its own icebreaker construction program. As the White House official confirmed, one Polar Security Cutter is under construction by Halter Marine at its new Galveston, Texas, shipyard, with the remaining four to be built by Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana.
