28.5.2026
Construction of the Polar Max icebreaker for Canada, one of the heaviest icebreakers ever built, began in August 2025 at Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding. Hull assembly is now commencing in Helsinki, after which the completed hull will be finalized at Davie Shipbuilding’s yard in Canada.
The assembly of the hull for the heavy Polar Max icebreaker, commissioned by the Government of Canada, will begin at Helsinki Shipyard on 28 May with a traditional coin ceremony.
The vessel is being delivered through an innovative procurement model: the hull will be built in Finland and then completed at Davie Shipbuilding’s yard in Québec in 2030. The icebreaker is part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, which Davie Shipbuilding is a key partner of.
“This project, one of the largest icebreaker programs in Western history, has remained on schedule and on budget, demonstrating our exceptional expertise and experience in delivering projects on this scale. The project is truly unique, combining Finnish and Canadian shipbuilding capabilities while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the Inocea Group,” says Mika Heiskanen, CEO of the Davie shipyards in Finland.
The project will result in the recruitment of more than 600 new employees across Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding. In addition, tens of millions of euros have already been invested in operations during the current ownership period. The most significant upgrade is a new intermediate gate installed in Helsinki Shipyard’s 280-metre dry dock, further accelerating project delivery times. Recruitment and investments will continue as planned.
New strategy strengthens co-operation and enables growth
The Polar Max project demonstrates the ability of Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding to deliver large-scale vessels on some of the fastest timelines in the market. This capability is built on seamless cooperation between the two shipyards and is supported by Finland’s extensive, world-class maritime cluster.
“Global demand for Finnish shipbuilding and maritime expertise is growing strongly. With an international ownership base, we are well positioned to invest in growth, create new capabilities and generate hundreds of new jobs in Finland,” says Mika Heiskanen.
Cooperation between the Helsinki and Pori shipyards is now guided by a new strategy completed this spring. The strategy, built on three pillars: people, investments, and processes, will strengthen collaboration and lays the foundation for a significant expansion of operations by 2030 as part of the entire Inocea Group.
Alongside the delivery of three existing icebreaker contracts, the shipyards will focus on leveraging their leading design and construction expertise and culture to deliver the most demanding vessels and offshore structures designed for the harshest conditions, for both governmental and commercial customers.
Additional information:
Heli Poikonen
Communications Manager
heli.poikonen@helsinkishipyard.fi
p. +358 50 3794 119