President Trump on Thursday hosted Finnish President Alexander Stubb, where the two leaders announced an agreement for the U.S. to add 11 icebreaker ships to its fleet.
Trump said as part of the agreement, the U.S. would purchase four icebreakers built in Finland, while seven additional ships would be constructed in the United States. Icebreakers are ships that are designed to navigate through ice-covered waters.
“We have a big order coming up. We’re buying icebreakers. We’re building them together for the most part. We’re doing four over there and seven over here. We negotiated a pretty tough price I think,” Trump said.
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“We need these ships very badly because we have a lot of territory. More than anybody. And so I’m very honored to have this deal,” he added.
Stubb said Finland would deliver the first ship it is building for the U.S. in 2028. The ships are expected to be used in the Arctic to counter Russian and Chinese influence.
Also in attendance in the Oval Office was Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who highlighted the economic importance of the deal for Finland’s economy.
“This deal is very important to Finland and our economy. Because our economy is suffering a lot because of Russian aggression in Ukraine,” Orpo said.
Reuters reported that the 11 icebreakers are expected to cost $6.1 billion. Three of the ships will be built in Galveston, Texas, while four will be built in Houma, La.