US In Talks With Finnish Shipbuilder To Build Icebreakers Worth $2.85B

Finnish shipbuilding company Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) is in discussions with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) about possibly building a series of new icebreakers, according to Finnish news reports.

Sources say the discussions could lead to an order of three to five medium-sized icebreakers, with the total deal potentially worth around €2.5 billion (or $2.85 billion).

If finalised, this would be a major boost for Finland’s shipbuilding industry, especially for jobs in the maritime sector.

Although nothing is confirmed yet, the US Coast Guard is currently exploring its options and has contacted several shipyards worldwide.

They’re looking for builders who can deliver medium-sized icebreakers within 36 months.

Alongside the medium icebreakers, Rauma is also looking into the possibility of building three larger icebreakers for the US, a project that would likely be worth even more.

Rauma, located on Finland’s southwest coast, has a strong background in building ships for icy waters.

The yard built three icebreakers in the 1990s and, recently, delivered the ice-strengthened ferry Aurora Botnia in 2021.

Right now, it’s building four multi-role warships for the Finnish Navy, all designed to operate in icy conditions.

The shipyard has upgraded its facilities, including a modern indoor construction hall. It is positioning itself as a leader in icebreaker construction, especially as many older vessels in Scandinavia are nearing retirement.

RMC, which was founded in 2014 and is fully Finnish-owned, already has confirmed orders worth over one billion euros and is booked with work through 2028.

Interest in Rauma grew recently after the US Coast Guard released a Request for Information (RFI) asking for ready-to-build designs for smaller icebreakers, also called Arctic Security Cutters.

These would need to be about 370 feet long and delivered within three years of signing a contract. This RFI appears to be separate from the Rauma discussions.

The news about the talks was first reported by Helsingin Sanomat on April 18 and later shared by Yle News.

It was also discussed at high-level diplomatic meetings. In March, Finnish President Alexander Stubb raised the topic with US President Donald Trump.

While Rauma is seen as a strong candidate, Helsinki Shipyard is also being considered as a potential partner.

The yard is now owned by Canada’s Davie shipbuilding group and has a long history of building icebreakers.

More than half of the world’s icebreakers were built there.

However, it recently faced financial trouble after sanctions forced it to cancel a deal to build a ship for Russia, which led to its sale in 2023.

Reference: arctic today

Source: Maritime Shipping News