Published 11:52 am Tuesday, August 4, 2026 By William Koblensky Varela Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Service A joint-venture between the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s economic development arm and St. John’s Newfoundland-based Horizon Naval Engineering will deliver one polar class icebreaker before the end of the year, a press release on Aug. 4 said. Qikiqtaaluk Horizon Arctic Services, the name of the joint venture, is procuring the icebreaker, called ‘Nordica’ from a manufacturer in Finland. “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,” said Harry Flaherty, president and CEO of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation. Icebreakers are used to clear a path so sealift cargo ships, mining supply boats and military vessels can operate in the Arctic. Expanding icebreaker capability in the Arctic will increase shipping capacity, allowing for more economic activity, the press release stated. Nunavut News has asked QIA how much the icebreaker cost and how many crew will be hired to operate it and is awaiting answers. The icebreaker’s crew will be hired independently. Its operations starting next spring will work in conjunction with Canadian Coast Guard vessels that are responsible for breaking up Arctic ice. “This is a new chapter of maritime partnership between Inuit organizations and the Canadian Coast Guard,” Flaherty said.
QIA will get its own icebreaker before the end of the year
