New agreements for the upcoming icebreaking season

The Finnish harbours freeze over every winter, and, depending on the extent of the ice cover and the challenges posed by the ice winter, vessels moving among the ice are assisted approximately 300 to 3,000 times a winter. Typically, the icebreaking season begins before the turn of the year, and the peak season takes place in February. 

“In accordance with the agreements, we have eight Arctia icebreakers at our disposal, and they can be deployed as necessary as the winter progresses and the ice cover grows,” says Helena Orädd, head of unit. “Our service promise is that 90% of the vessels can enter the harbour without waiting and those waiting will receive icebreaker assistance in less than 4 hours. In addition to the fairways leading to harbours, we also assist in the open sea. In accordance with the treaty with Sweden, we also assist ships to Swedish ports.” 

The new agreement brings efficiency and customer orientation. “Customers have been satisfied with icebreaking services, but there is also room for improvement. The importance of cooperation and sharing information is emphasised when there are several actors and customers. The new agreement will enable a more flexible departure order for icebreakers, and this will also create efficiency for the entire service package,” says Orädd.

Winter navigation assistance is free of charge for merchant vessels and is granted to vessels heading to predefined winter ports. The vessels to be assisted must meet the assistance restrictions specified by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, regarding the ice class and load-bearing capacity, for example. In addition to Arctia, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has an agreement with Alfons Håkans and tugboat companies operating on the coast. The icebreaking agreement package for three years is worth EUR 300 million.

Inquiries:
Head of Unit, Maritime Navigation, Helena Orädd tel. +358 29 534 3321, [email protected]