Forging a Northern Shield: Canada and Iceland Formalize a New Era of Coast Guard Cooperation

In a region where shifting ice, mounting maritime traffic, and accelerating climate change are rewriting the map of the North Atlantic and Arctic every year, collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential. On December 16, 2025, that spirit of shared responsibility took a major step forward as the Canadian Coast Guard and the Icelandic Coast Guard signed a letter of intent that deepens operational partnership across some of the world’s most challenging waters.

The agreement, finalized in Reykjavik, Iceland, formalizes a growing relationship built on years of coordination through the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum, the Arctic Coast Guard Forum, and the Arctic Council’s Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group. For two nations whose coast guards often operate at the frontline of extreme northern conditions, this new commitment creates a structured pathway for more integrated, agile cooperation.

“This agreement with the Icelandic Coast Guard demonstrates our commitment to working collaboratively to address critical challenges in providing coast guard services in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. Through joint operational exercises, training, information sharing, and advancements in marine traffic and remote sensing, we are finding better ways to work together to serve our regions,” expressed Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard.

Building a Safer, More Resilient North

The letter of intent lays out several promising avenues for collaboration—areas where shared expertise can amplify readiness and improve outcomes for mariners, coastal communities, and ecosystems alike.

Among the most pressing fields of cooperation is Arctic operations, where both coast guards face unprecedented demands. Search and rescue missions, icebreaking work, and environmental response activities are becoming more complex as changing ice patterns open new transit routes. Joint planning and shared operational lessons will help both organizations respond faster and more effectively.

The agreement also paves the way for joint operational exercises and training initiatives, strengthening inter-agency familiarity and enabling teams to work seamlessly together during real-world emergencies. Enhanced coordination in vessel traffic services, remote sensing, and maritime domain awareness will further support both nations’ ability to protect northern waters.

Climate change, meanwhile, is reshaping the very environment these agencies operate within. As part of the partnership, Canada and Iceland will explore strategies to build resilience and support decarbonization—both critical as coast guard organizations modernize fleets, adopt new technologies, and reduce environmental impacts.

Crucially, the partnership acknowledges the importance of Indigenous and local community engagement, with specific attention to Inuit perspectives in the Arctic. This ensures that knowledge systems, lived experiences, and regional priorities remain central to future collaborative efforts.

“The collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard enhances cooperation in the North Atlantic and Arctic by promoting deeper information sharing, joint training, and increased maritime awareness. This partnership strengthens search and rescue readiness, environmental response, and operational effectiveness. Ultimately, this partnership aims to protect individuals, preserve the marine environment, and secure shared maritime routes in a region that is rapidly evolving,” stated Georg Kr. Lárusson, Director General, Icelandic Coast Guard.

A Partnership Built for a Rapidly Changing Region

As the North Atlantic and Arctic face rising geopolitical, economic, and environmental pressures, Canada and Iceland are positioning themselves to navigate the future together. The renewed commitment reflects not only their shared priorities but also an understanding that safety, sustainability, and sovereignty in the North depend on collaboration.

For both coast guards, the agreement represents more than a bureaucratic milestone—it is a strategic investment in the stability, security, and resilience of the northern maritime domain.



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