OTTAWA — Canada is moving to significantly expand its Arctic capabilities with a major new investment in icebreaking infrastructure.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced more than C$11 billion to build six new icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard, marking one of the country’s largest recent investments in Arctic maritime infrastructure.

The vessels are intended to replace aging heavy and medium icebreakers and improve Canada's ability to operate in increasingly challenging Arctic waters. The ships will be built by Quebec-based Chantier Davie in Lévis.

The announcement comes as Canada faces growing strategic pressure in the Arctic, where climate change is opening waterways while geopolitical competition is increasing.

Canada currently has the world's second-largest icebreaker fleet, behind Russia. The new vessels are expected to strengthen Arctic sovereignty, northern supply routes and year-round maritime operations.

The investment also signals a broader shift toward strengthening Canada's independent Arctic capabilities at a time when national security and northern infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.