An icebreaker operated by Finnish state-owned navigation services provider Arctia arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada earlier this month prior to commencing a long-term charter with local joint venture Qikiqtaaluk Horizon Arctic Services (QHAS).
The multi-purpose icebreaker Nordica will be operated under a charter agreement between Arctia and QHAS. 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 said that it 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 contract is initially for one year and also includes options for extension.
The assignment will take place in the autumn, and the vessel will return to the Baltic before the start of the icebreaking season.
"This historic partnership between the Canadian Coast Guard and Qikiqtaaluk Horizon Arctic Services will add critical heavy icebreaking capacity in Canadian Arctic waters during the 2026 operating season, helping to support safe navigation, maintain vital supply chains, and strengthen economic activity in northern and Arctic communities," said Joël Lightbound, Canadian Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
