The Ministry of Transport and Communications is preparing a long-term investment programme, based on the Government Programme, to renew Finland’s icebreaking fleet. In addition, Sanna Ruuskanen, Director of Unit at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, will be appointed as a new member of the Board of Directors of Arctia Ltd, Finland’s state-owned icebreaking company.

The investment programme includes an official assessment of the long-term need for fleet renewal. The Ministry will report on the progress of the work to the Government’s Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy during 2025. 

The renewal of the icebreaking fleet will begin with the construction of a new B+ class icebreaker, Aino. A separate decision on the project has been taken by the Government’s Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.

Finland’s five oldest icebreakers were built in the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s. As the fleet ages, it is essential that new investments and lifecycle extensions are planned and implemented systematically and over the long term, thereby strengthening Finland’s security of supply and overall security.
 
CHANGES TO THE BOARD
The Ministry of Transport and Communications is also making changes to the Board of Directors of Arctia Ltd. Sanna Ruuskanen, Master of Laws, Director of the Human Resources and Finance Unit, will be appointed as a new member of the Board. This change will support the company in carrying out its specific mandate.

Icebreaking is part of Finland’s critical infrastructure, and more than 95% of the country’s foreign trade in goods is carried by sea. Arctia’s specific mandate is to ensure winter navigation that serves the transport needs of industry, secures Finland’s security of supply and enables military mobility efficiently under all conditions. This specific mandate also contributes to strengthening Finland’s overall security.

NEXT STEPS
Construction of the new icebreaker is scheduled to begin in 2026 and is estimated to take around 36 months. During 2025, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will launch a market dialogue concerning the procurement of the icebreaker.