Page 19: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2025)

construction of vessels or simply purchase ? nished ships. Each cient production of icebreaking vessels while simultaneously country aspires to build a self-suf? cient shipbuilding industry. fostering the development of shipbuilding capabilities across

Several challenges present themselves. It might seem opti- skilled labour, supply chains and technology. mistic or even naïve to call for international co-operation at a To address the immediate need for vessels, the initial time when trade tensions and geopolitics are so close to front phases of this collaboration may involve outsourcing design, of mind for businesses, governments and consumers. construction, and supply chain activities beyond national

However, since the world will continue to change rapidly borders. Over time, however, such collaboration would help over the next decade and beyond, it seems reasonable to con- each country develop the capabilities needed to meet future sider how to create the industry alliances that can support mu- demands autonomously. tual interest and encourage investment. This approach also goes further than short- or long-term po-

Building the necessary supply chain could face obstacles litical goals. It promotes mutual growth, ensuring that each if trade barriers continue to rise and fall, though in the longer nation bene? ts equitably while avoiding monopolization of term this should encourage investment made against commit- advantages. Ultimately, by working together strategically, ments to build the new vessels. these countries will build industries that are resilient, innova-

The US and Canada also need to bring together government tive and sustainable.

and commercial stakeholders – including designers, ship-

The Author builders and the material and equipment supply chain - into

Morais a single cohesive team as Finland has done so successfully.

Denis Morais is the CEO of SSI. He has been

An Arctic Shipbuilding Alliance, centred on connecting de- internationally recognized for his work in signers and shipyards, could foster the collaboration required solving shipbuilding’s most dif