Bangladesh, Nov. 2 -- The United States just inked a $6.1 billion deal with Finland to build 11 new icebreakers for its US Coast Guard, a move billed as historic and aimed straight at boosting Americas lagging presence in the Arctic. These 11 vessels — mix of polar and Great Lakes types — will extend operational seasons, support research, and assert presence amid rising activity from multiple players.

Deliveries should start in 2028 — with Finnish shipyards lending their expertise to revive a US industry in a niche sector it once pioneered (when it comes to modern polar-class icebreakers) but that has been gathering dust for decades.

This of course isnt just about ships — its the latest chapter in the intensifyin...