Finnish Arctic tourism operator The Icebreaking Company Ltd will launch cruise operations in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago in summer 2026 with the vessel M/S Arktis. The initiative represents a significant international expansion of Finnish tourism expertise and Arctic maritime know-how.
Operating Permit for Svalbard
The Icebreaking Company Ltd has been granted permission to conduct tourism operations in Svalbard. Operations commencing in summer 2026 will be implemented gradually in the Longyearbyen region in cooperation with local stakeholders.
Responsible Operational Model
Operations with M/S Arktis will include guided Arctic sightseeing cruises, carefully controlled survival suit floating experiences subject to weather and ice conditions, and fully vessel-based operations without land-based infrastructure or permanent footprint in the Isfjorden area. The vessel is an icebreaker, but under no circumstances will it participate in breaking protected Arctic sea ice in Svalbard.
A Strictly Regulated Arctic Operating Environment
Svalbard is among the world’s most strictly regulated Arctic tourism and maritime regions. Obtaining an operating permit requires comprehensive evaluation of safety, environmental responsibility and operational capability, as well as full commitment to Norwegian regulatory requirements and environmental principles governing the region.
Towards the Future of Arctic Tourism
The Icebreaking Company Ltd is one of Finland’s longest-operating Arctic tourism companies. The company has operated icebreaker-based tourism and maritime experiences for nearly 40 years and has served more than one million international guests during its history.
“The granting of this operating permit demonstrates that Finnish Arctic maritime expertise has a strong role also within the international expedition operating environment”, says Jaakko Löppönen, CEO of The Icebreaking Company Ltd.
“In this operating environment, the future will not be built on volume, but on expertise and genuine understanding of the Arctic. We also see this as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Finland and Norway, as well as the international development of Arctic tourism”, Löppönen states.
The initiative forms part of a broader vision for the future of Arctic tourism, where environmental responsibility, carefully controlled operations, advanced local and international safety expertise, and close cooperation play a central role.
Further information
Jaakko Löppönen
CEO
The Icebreaking Company Ltd
jaakko.lopponen@icebreaking.com
www.icebreaking.com