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Canada Charters Finnish Icebreaker for Increased Capacity in Arctic waters
The Canadian Coast Guard's operations in the Arctic will this autumn be supported by the Finnish icebreaker MSV Nordica. “There is more demand for Finland's icebreaking expertise around the world than ever before,” says the Finnish minister of transport.
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The Finnish state-owned company Arctia has signed a charter agreement to operate the icebreaker MSV Nordica in the Canadian Arctic later this year.
More specifically, the icebreaker will contribute to the Canadian Coast Guard’s civilian operations. It will not be involved in law enforcement or defence-related activities.
"We are strengthening our presence in the Arctic. This season, MSV Nordica will support icebreaking, vessel escorts, Arctic resupply, search and rescue, and environmental response operations across Canada’s Arctic waters, writes the Canadian Coast Guard.
Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne (the Finns Party) is pleased with the agreement.
"This agreement shows that there is more demand for Finland’s icebreaking expertise around the world than ever before. Finland has a unique ability to look after its own security of supply and icebreaking while also supporting its NATO Ally. This agreement will strengthen Canada’s security and security of supply," says Ranne in a press release.
"Significant international assignment"
Under the agreement, the services will be delivered in Canada through Qikiqtaaluk Horizon Arctic Services, an Inuit-owned joint venture. Horizon Naval Engineering acts as Arctia’s contractual counterparty.
The contract is initially for one year, with an option for extension.
"This contract represents a significant international assignment for Arctia and further strengthens the company’s position as a provider of Arctic and demanding icebreaking services in global markets," the company states in a press release.
According to Arctia, the charter agreement will have no impact on the company's public service mission in Finland, where it is responsible for securing winter navigation. The icebreaker will return to the Baltic Sea before the icebreaking season begins.
Finland is also cooperating with Canada and the United States on the design and production of polar icebreakers through the partnership ICE Pact.
