Iqaluit — Qikiqtaaluk Horizon Arctic Services (QHAS) announced today that it will deliver the Polar Class Icebreaker Nordica to operate in Canadian Arctic waters for the upcoming season, supporting increased maritime capability and safe navigation across Inuit Nunangat.
The Nordica is chartered by Finnish operator and owner Arctia to the Canadian Coast Guard under a contract worth approximately C$25 million for the four-month season.
A press release indicated that this first-of-its-kind partnership between an Inuit-led company and the Canadian Coast Guard represents 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.
“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 organisations 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.
Additional details regarding the Nordica’s arrival in Canadian waters will be announced in coming weeks.
(Photo courtesy of Arctia)