This first-of-its-kind partnership between an Inuit-led company and the Canadian Coast Guard is seen as a crucial step forward in strengthening northern capacity and supporting Canada’s growing presence in the Arctic. The increased heavy icebreaking capacity is critical to growing Canada’s Northern economy and Arctic shipping capabilities.   The Nordica is one of the fleet of icebreakers owned by Finnish state-owned icebreaker company Arctia, which said today that it had entered into a charter agreement for the operation of the multipurpose icebreaker in the Canadian Arctic in late 2026. The services will be delivered through QHAS with Horizon Naval Engineering acting as Arctia’s contractual counterparty.   The end customer under the arrangement is the Canadian Coast Guard. Under the agreement, Arctia will provide maritime services supporting the 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.

The charter arrangement will have no impact on Arctia’s special public service mission in Finland or on securing winter navigation in the Baltic Sea. The assignment takes place in the autumn, and the Nordica will return to the Baltic before the start of the icebreaking season.

The contract is initially for one year and includes options for extension. Arctia says thecooperation with the Canadian partners offers opportunities for a long-term partnership and for further developing expertise in an international operating environment.

“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when Inuit leadership, industry expertise, and Canadian capability come together,” said Harry Flaherty President and CEO of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation. “The Nordica brings world-class experience and additional capacity to the Arctic at an important time, as communities and industries across the North continue to grow. This is a new chapter of maritime partnership between Inuit organizations and the Canadian Coast Guard.”   Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (QC) through QHAS is leading the effort to bring this independently crewed vessel, supplied from Finland, a NATO ally, to the Canadian Arctic. There it will work in coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard providing additional icebreaking and navigation support in Canada’s Arctic waters. This partnership represents a practical and cost-effective way to expand Arctic maritime capacity at a time when activity and investment in the region are accelerating.

The Nordica’s presence in the Arctic will immediately provide significantly more heavy icebreaking capacity in Canada’s Arctic waters. The requirement for additional heavy icebreaking capacity is a focus for QHAS as it supports Canada’s growing ambition for Northern development.