The US Coast Guard buys icebreakers in Finland

With all the fuss about Greenland and the supposed security policy intentions of the incumbent US President, everyone has noticed that apart from well-developed airspace surveillance in the Arctic, there is no substantial presence of American forces.

The first warnings were issued on the occasion of a „research mission“ by the Chinese navy with its ice-capable platforms in the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia. Coast Guard units, including the newer of the only two icebreakers, „Storis“ (110 metres, 13,000 tonnes), and the fast response cutter „Earl Cunningham“ were hurriedly deployed to the sea area in western Alaska. Although there has been a programme for the construction of three large icebreakers (Polar Security Cutter, 140 metres, 23,000 tonnes) in the USA for ten years, it has been difficult to get started, as the first unit is not expected to arrive before 2027.

Following the requirement for prompt availability, the Coast Guard has placed an order with Finnish icebreaker specialists Helsinki Shipyard for two initial icebreakers based on a tried-and-tested design with a delivery date in 2028. Three further Arctic Security Cutters (ASC) are to be built at the subsidiary of Canadian shipbuilder Davie Defense in Galveston, Texas, with technology transfer and semi-skilled labour. A total of eleven units are required. Until then, good co-operation with Canadian-European navies will be required in the event of ice drift.