Canadian and Icelandic Coast Guards sign agreement to increase cooperation
News release
December 16, 2025 – Reykjavik, Iceland – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Icelandic Coast Guard signed a letter of intent to formalize a shared commitment to cooperation and collaboration on coast guard operations. This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening international partnerships that enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, and operational readiness in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
The agreement highlights the organizations’ mutual desire to facilitate cooperation and information exchange on maritime operations. It builds on existing partnerships and collaborative efforts through fora such as the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum, the Arctic Coast Guard Forum, and the Arctic Council’s Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group.
Areas of potential collaboration include:
- Arctic operations, including search and rescue, icebreaking, and marine environmental and hazard response;
- joint operational exercises and training initiatives;
- vessel traffic services coordination;
- information sharing, including remote sensing and maritime domain awareness;
- climate change resilience and decarbonization strategies; and,
- engagement with Indigenous and local communities, with particular attention to Inuit perspectives in the Arctic.
Quotes
“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.”
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard
“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.”
Georg Kr. Lárusson, Director General, Icelandic Coast Guard
Quick facts
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The CCG has signed over 30 cooperation agreements with international partners that support its ability to carry out its mandate.
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Celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026, the Icelandic Coast Guard is a civilian law enforcement agency that is responsible for search and rescue, maritime safety and security surveillance, and law enforcement in the seas surrounding Iceland. The Icelandic Coast Guard’s duties include protection against illegal activities such as illegal migration and illegal drug tracking, fisheries control and enforcement, pollution surveillance and response, natural resource and ecology protection, and salvage and rescue diving.
Associated links
Contacts
Maya Ouferhat
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: maya.ouferhat@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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