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Finnish shipbuilding company Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) is in discussions with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) about possibly building a series of new icebreakers, according to Finnish news reports.<\/p>\n
Sources say the discussions could lead to an order of three to five medium-sized icebreakers, with the total deal potentially worth around \u20ac2.5 billion (or $2.85 billion).<\/p>\n
If finalised, this would be a major boost for Finland\u2019s shipbuilding industry, especially for jobs in the maritime sector.<\/p>\n
Although nothing is confirmed yet, the US Coast Guard is currently exploring its options and has contacted several shipyards worldwide.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re looking for builders who can deliver medium-sized icebreakers within 36 months.<\/p>\n
Alongside the medium icebreakers, Rauma is also looking into the possibility of building three larger icebreakers for the US, a project that would likely be worth even more.<\/p>\n
Rauma, located on Finland\u2019s southwest coast, has a strong background in building ships for icy waters.<\/p>\n
The yard built three icebreakers in the 1990s and, recently, delivered the ice-strengthened ferry Aurora Botnia in 2021.<\/p>\n
Right now, it\u2019s building four multi-role warships for the Finnish Navy, all designed to operate in icy conditions.<\/p>\n
The shipyard has upgraded its facilities, including a modern indoor construction hall. It is positioning itself as a leader in icebreaker construction, especially as many older vessels in Scandinavia are nearing retirement.<\/p>\n
RMC, which was founded in 2014 and is fully Finnish-owned, already has confirmed orders worth over one billion euros and is booked with work through 2028.<\/p>\n
Interest in Rauma grew recently after the US Coast Guard released a Request for Information (RFI) asking for ready-to-build designs for smaller icebreakers, also called Arctic Security Cutters.<\/p>\n
These would need to be about 370 feet long and delivered within three years of signing a contract. This RFI appears to be separate from the Rauma discussions.<\/p>\n
The news about the talks was first reported by Helsingin Sanomat on April 18 and later shared by Yle News.<\/p>\n
It was also discussed at high-level diplomatic meetings. In March, Finnish President Alexander Stubb raised the topic with US President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
While Rauma is seen as a strong candidate, Helsinki Shipyard is also being considered as a potential partner.<\/p>\n
The yard is now owned by Canada\u2019s Davie shipbuilding group and has a long history of building icebreakers.<\/p>\n
More than half of the world\u2019s icebreakers were built there.<\/p>\n
However, it recently faced financial trouble after sanctions forced it to cancel a deal to build a ship for Russia, which led to its sale in 2023.<\/p>\n