An icebreaker operated by Finnish state-owned navigation services provider Arctia has departed for the Canadian Arctic.
The multi-purpose icebreaker Nordica will be operated under a charter agreement between Arctia and Qikiqtaaluk Horizon Arctic Services, a Canadian joint venture company.
The end customer under the arrangement is the Canadian Coast Guard.
Under the agreement, Arctia will provide maritime services supporting the Canadian Coast Guard's civilian operations, such as icebreaking, assistance, and ice management services.
Arctia will not be involved in any governmental, law enforcement, or defence-related activities for the duration of the charter.
The company added that the charter arrangement will have no impact on its special public service mission in Finland or on securing winter navigation in the Baltic Sea.
The assignment will take place in the autumn, and the vessel will return to the Baltic before the start of the icebreaking season.
The contract is initially for one year and also includes options for extension.