Finland to lead the construction of Canada’s most powerful icebreaker to strengthen operations in the Arctic.

On March 8, 2025, the Canadian government signed a contract with Davie Shipbuilding for the construction of a heavy polar icebreaker under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. The agreement, valued at CAD $3.25 billion, involves constructing the vessel at the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland before final assembly and delivery in Quebec. This contract is one of two recent polar icebreaker procurements by Canada, with Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver also awarded a contract to build a separate heavy icebreaker.
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As part of the newly awarded contract, Davie Shipbuilding will construct a Polar Max-class icebreaker, which will be based on the ARC 148 hull form developed by Aker Arctic. (Picture source: Davie Shipbuilding)

These two icebreakers will replace the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Louis S. St-Laurent as Canada’s most powerful conventional icebreaker and will be among the most powerful conventional icebreakers in the world. As part of the newly awarded contract, Davie Shipbuilding will construct a Polar Max-class icebreaker, which will be based on the ARC 148 hull form developed by Aker Arctic. Designed for Arctic operations, it will perform icebreaking, oil spill response, and emergency towing. The vessel will be 138.5 meters long, with a displacement of approximately 22,800 tonnes. The construction project is expected to create about 500 jobs at Helsinki Shipyard, along with additional employment in Finland’s maritime sector. Economic benefits will also extend to Canada through a workforce exchange and industry partnerships.

The announcement is linked to increasing Arctic cooperation between Canada, the United States, and Finland under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact). Established in 2024 following discussions initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, the ICE Pact aims to expand icebreaker production and strengthen Arctic security. While the Polar Max project is not formally part of the ICE Pact, officials from all three countries have emphasized its alignment with the initiative’s broader goals. Representatives from Canada, the U.S., and Finland met in Helsinki in early March to discuss icebreaker production and reaffirm their commitment to joint research and industrial development. The next ICE Pact meeting is scheduled for May in Canada.

The Canadian Coast Guard's fleet renewal includes two new polar icebreakers, one each from Seaspan and Davie. Seaspan’s vessel, measuring 158 meters in length, will be built entirely in Canada and equipped with Polar Class 2 capabilities, allowing extended Arctic operations at temperatures as low as -50°C. With over 40MW of installed power, an ice-classed azimuthing propulsion system, and scientific research capabilities, the ship will support multiple mission roles, including helicopter operations. Construction at Seaspan is expected to begin in April 2025, with delivery anticipated by 2032. The contract for Seaspan’s icebreaker is valued at $3.15 billion, with additional contracts for engineering, long lead items, and ancillary work bringing the total investment to $4.27 billion.

Davie’s icebreaker will incorporate Helsinki Shipyard’s expertise, which has constructed over half of the world’s icebreakers. The project will include a workforce exchange program, allowing Quebec-based workers to train in Finland. Davie plans to invest over $200 million in small- and medium-sized businesses to strengthen Canada’s naval construction sector. While initial construction will take place in Finland, final assembly and completion will occur at Davie’s Lévis shipyard, ensuring delivery from Canada.

Seaspan’s vessel, measuring 158 meters in length, will be built entirely in Canada and equipped with Polar Class 2 capabilities, allowing extended Arctic operations at temperatures as low as -50°C. (Picture source: Seaspan)

The contract award to Davie is part of its expansion under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Davie became a full NSS partner in April 2023, securing an $8.5 billion contract package that includes seven heavy icebreakers and two hybrid-powered ferries. The company continues to advocate for additional projects that could further increase its production capacity and international reach.

The expansion of Canada’s polar fleet is occurring in the context of increasing competition in the Arctic. Russia and China are advancing their presence in the region, and Canada and its allies consider icebreaker production a strategic priority. The U.S. Coast Guard is looking to expand collaboration with Finland and Canada to address delays in its own icebreaker fleet renewal. The ICE Pact aims to support the development of up to 90 Arctic-capable ships within the next decade, strengthening the shipbuilding industries of the U.S., Canada, and Finland while countering Russian and Chinese advances in the Arctic.

The Canadian government has emphasized the strategic importance of the Polar Max project in maintaining Arctic sovereignty and operational readiness. Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos stated that the initiative will enhance Canada’s icebreaking capabilities while supporting economic growth and job creation. The government has also highlighted the role of the icebreakers in ensuring a continuous presence in Arctic waters, supporting communities, conducting scientific research, and maintaining security operations.

The awarding of contracts to Davie and Seaspan marks the first time in over 60 years that Canada is constructing its own polar icebreakers. These projects align with Canada’s investment in Arctic defense and infrastructure, as outlined in the defense policy, "Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence." With the combined efforts of Canadian and Finnish shipyards, these vessels will support Arctic navigation, environmental protection, and scientific research. As climate change opens new maritime routes and geopolitical tensions increase, Canada’s investment in icebreaker construction is aimed at securing its northern territories and maintaining its presence in the region.