COPENHAGEN, Dec 30 - Rauma Marine Constructions from Finland has signed a contract to build two icebreaker ships for the U.S. Coast Guard, with delivery scheduled for 2028. This agreement comes as President Donald Trump aims to enhance national security in the Arctic region.

These icebreakers will be the first ships built under a memorandum of understanding that Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed in October to foster commercial agreements regarding icebreakers.

According to this memorandum, Finland will construct four medium-sized "Arctic Security Cutters" at its shipyards, while the U.S. plans to build up to seven more icebreakers domestically, utilizing Finnish expertise.

Rauma Marine Constructions did not reveal the value of the contract for the two ships. However, a White House official mentioned in October that the total cost for procuring 11 icebreakers is expected to be about $6.1 billion.

CEO Mika Nieminen of Rauma Marine Constructions stated, "Due to our fast delivery time, we are the most affordable option on the market," describing the deal as a significant achievement.

Currently, the U.S. Coast Guard has only two polar icebreakers, while Russia operates around 40, which has prompted the U.S. to improve its presence in the Arctic.

Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto remarked, "Finnish shipyards are known for building the world’s best icebreakers and largest cruise ships. Securing this icebreaker order is a significant success for Finland and our maritime industry."