With increased Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic, U.S. national security relies on the Coast Guard’s ability to patrol our arctic waters. Ships with icebreaking capabilities – known as “icebreakers” – enable the Coast Guard to conduct arctic missions, monitor foreign activity, and ensure the Navy’s access to our Arctic assets. Despite the great importance of these ships, the U.S. only owns two icebreakers, one of which is broken.
The Storis commissioned in Juneau
On Aug. 10 of this year, the icebreaker Storis was commissioned in Juneau. Senator Dan Sullivan fought hard to include nearly $25 billion in historic Coast Guard investments in the Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. That package included $300 million for shoreside infrastructure to homeport the Storis in Juneau, Alaska. Senator Sullivan stated at the commissioning ceremony: “This ship is an investment in real capability, real people, and a real presence in the region that defines the next chapter of global security, commerce, and energy.
While the commissioning of the Storis is great news, the grim reality of America’s insufficient presence in the Arctic overshadows the celebration. According to a press release from Aug 10 this year: “Russia has 55 icebreakers and is in the process of building more. By 2025, China, which has no sovereignty over any Arctic waters, is set to surpass the United States’ icebreaker fleet. The Alaska congressional delegation has long since recognized this as a competitive disadvantage in the Arctic and advocated for additional resources to bolster the USCG icebreaker fleet.”
Finland joins U.S. in icebreaker production effort
On Oct 10, Sullivan’s office sent out a press release announcing a new agreement between the U.S. and Finland. According to the press release: “This partnership reinforces the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact between Finland, the United States, and Canada, allowing all three nations to significantly accelerate icebreaker development and production through shared expertise and resources in support of America’s Arctic security.” Although the ICE Pact was signed Nov. 14, 2024, it has done little to increase U.S. Coast Guard presence in the Arctic. Senator Sullivan is optimistic that the new U.S.-Finland agreement as well as the extensive funding provided by the Big Beautiful Bill will lead to real results that enhance our national security.
Sen. Dan Sullivan (Alaska) speaks on historic US-Finland icebreaker announcement – October 10, 2025
Potential concerns
Despite the national security advantages this agreement brings, some may wonder: Will more icebreakers increase military tensions in the region? Will breaking more ice allow foreign non-icebreaking ships easier access to Arctic waters? Will accelerated ice-breaking impact climate change?
For those concerned about climate impact, a study by the National Snow and Ice Data Center shows that icebreakers have minimal impact on accelerating open waters. Icebreakers break thin or floating ice, which does not significantly contribute to sea levels.
Regarding potential military tensions, the increased presence of American icebreakers in the Arctic is intended to counteract the large Russian and Chinese presence in the area. While Russia and China may exercise their “right to transit passage” afforded by the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, America must assert its control of the region. The intent is to use the icebreakers to enhance national security, not to put it at risk.