Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently met with representatives of Canada and Finland to strengthen the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact, officials said.
As part of a two-day summit for the ongoing trilateral agreement strengthening U.S. supply chains and improving U.S. shipbuilding capabilities, the DHS officials said government leaders discussed plans to advance technical expertise and information exchange, improve workforce development, advance relations with allies and industry and further research and development.
“ICE Pact is a key component of America’s economic future. President Donald Trump and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem understand that economic security is national security,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “By revitalizing U.S. shipyards, creating jobs, strengthening industrial capabilities, and opening up the Arctic’s vast potential to American businesses, the Trump administration is putting America’s prosperity and security first.”
Icebreakers are important for the U.S. presence in the Arctic due to influence by Russia and China in the region in regard to its growing potential for oil and gas exploration, critical minerals, trade route traffic, fishing and tourism. Russia maintains the largest icebreaker fleet in the world with 40-plus icebreakers, while China continues a rapid expansion in its presence there. In contrast, until last month, the U.S. Coast Guard operated only two icebreakers. In late May, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis began its maiden voyage to the Arctic. ICE Pact will steer more investment into the icebreaker fleet.
The partner countries ended the summit with a commitment to reconvene in person by the end of the year for a meeting hosted by the U.S. government.