Finland Readies Icebreaker Construction for US After Deal Signed

Finland is gearing up to start the speedy construction of icebreakers for the US after President Donald Trump and his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb signed a deal worth more than $6 billion.

It’s a historic moment for the Nordic nation that’s never before built vessels for the US government despite its shipbuilding prowess. For the US, ordering from Finland means it can get the ships much faster than elsewhere — and it needs them fast as great power rivalry intensifies in the Arctic.

Alexander Stubb and President Donald Trump at the White House on Oct. 9.

Photographer: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Helsinki Shipyard, owned by Chantier Davie Canada Inc, is likely to build two vessels, with the ...