Pact on icebreakers will strengthen US Arctic presence

Significance

The Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, a non-binding agreement colloquially known as the ICE Pact, will enable the three countries to strengthen their shipbuilding industries through information sharing, workforce development and procurement alignment. Arctic concerns are growing in Washington, which published an updated strategy for the region earlier this year.

Impacts

• A bipartisan congressional group has asked the White House to prioritise service to the Great Lakes region within the ICE Pact framework.
• Quebec-based Davie, Canada’s largest shipbuilder, has announced plans to open a shipyard in the United States.
• Last month, China sent its three vessels into the Arctic and announced that it would fast track the construction of a fourth icebreaker.