Finland and Canada to deepen their cooperation in Arctic maritime industry and technology

Finland and Canada to deepen their cooperation in Arctic maritime industry and technology

Finland and Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen their bilateral collaboration especially in marine industry and Arctic matters. The MoU was signed by Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto and Canada's Minister of Industry Melanie Joly in Ottawa on 14 April 2026.

"Finland and Canada share a common view of the strategic importance of the Arctic region. The Memorandum of Understanding will also contribute towards promoting the objectives of the ICE Pact icebreaker cooperation between our countries," Minister Puisto says.

The MoU provides for the promotion of practical cooperation in the development of marine industry capabilities, industrial partnerships and solutions related to the Arctic environment. These include collaboration in icebreaker projects and in maritime, satellite and communications technologies.

Minister Puisto is visiting Canada as a member of the working visit delegation of President of the Republic Alexander Stubb. Minister Puisto has already met Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Timothy Hodgson. In their meeting of 13 April 2026, Solomon and Puisto agreed on closer cooperation between Finland and Canada in the field of sovereign technology and artificial intelligence.

A large business delegation representing Finnish defence, technology, marine and mining companies is accompanying the President of the Republic to Canada. In connection with the visit, President Stubb and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a joint statement in Ottawa on 14 April.

In autumn 2024, Finland, Canada and the United States launched ICE Pact (Icebreaker Collaboration Effort) to intensify cooperation in the development of world-class Arctic and polar icebreakers and related capabilities.

Inquiries:
Reko-Antti Suojanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7220
Lars Aikala, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 29 504 7330