President Trump has proposed a comprehensive tax cut and spending bill, the “Big and Beautiful Act,” which includes an allocation of over 8.6 billion US dollars to expand the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet in the Arctic region to counter the increasing dominance of China and Russia in that area.
This funding includes 4.3 billion US dollars for up to three new heavy U.S. Coast Guard “Polar Security Cutters”, 3.5 billion US dollars for medium “Arctic Security Cutters,” and 816 million US dollars for the procurement of more light and medium ice patrol ships. These patrol ships are also known as icebreakers.
These icebreakers will be equipped with reinforced hulls and specially designed sloping bows to adapt to icebreaking operations in open water.
Previously, the U.S. Coast Guard sought to equip eight to nine icebreakers capable of operating in the Arctic, while currently, it only has three ships in its fleet.
Trump has been pushing to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry in response to China’s increasing strength in maritime manufacturing and navy capabilities. As part of this effort, earlier this year, he also announced a plan to impose fees and tariffs on Chinese ships and port equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes.
With climate change leading to a reduction in polar ice, the Arctic region is increasingly seen as a trade route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic with major economies of the world.
China and Russia have been cooperating to develop Arctic shipping routes and enhance their defense capabilities in the Arctic. The United States, Canada, and Finland announced the establishment of a trilateral icebreaker cooperation relationship called the “ICE Pact” last year, planning to build 70 to 90 icebreakers in the next decade to “project power” in the polar regions and uphold international norms and treaties.
Trump has also repeatedly called for the purchase of up to 40 new icebreakers to enhance U.S. national security in the Arctic region. These icebreakers can assist businesses in solving logistical problems and keep supply lines open for potential oil, gas, and mineral extraction in this frigid region.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Russia boasts the world’s largest fleet of icebreakers and ice patrol ships, totaling 57 vessels.
China’s fleet is much smaller in scale, but it is also increasing its investment to expand its capabilities. In May of this year, China and Russia pledged to elevate their cooperation to new heights and “firmly” resist U.S. influence.
(Reference: Reuters)