Icebreaker Collaborative Effort ICE Pact

Icebreaker Collaborative Effort ICE Pact

Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto will visit Washington DC on 17-18 November to attend an ICE Pact Principals Meeting between Finland, the United States and Canada, the partner countries in the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact). After the Principals Meeting, a meeting of national coordinators and working groups and an Industry Day event will take place in Washington DC on 19-20 November.

In Washington DC, Minister Sakari Puisto will attend an ICE Pact Principals Meeting between Finland, the United States and Canada, the partner countries in the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact). The meeting will be hosted by the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The discussions aim to deepen ICE Pact cooperation with a view to strengthening the Arctic capacity. Minister Puisto will also meet with his colleagues from the US administration.

"The fact that the United States and Canada have ordered icebreakers from Finland shows that the ICE Pact is both successful and necessary. The common goal of the three countries is to strengthen industrial capacity and increase skilled workforce. The ICE Pact supports this goal and improves the operational capabilities among the allies in the Arctic," says Minister Puisto.

After the Principals Meeting, Washington will host an ICE Pact National Coordinators and Working Groups Meeting and an Industry Day event for companies and research institutes in the sector. The meeting will advance the objectives of the ICE Pact workplan in four priority areas: technical expertise and information exchange, workforce development, engagement with allies and industry, and research and development.

Finland, the United States and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Washington DC on 18 November 2024 to establish the ICE Pact. The aim is to develop world-class icebreakers and other Arctic capabilities and to promote stability, security and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Inquiries:
Reko-Antti Suojanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7220