Winter navigation

The port of Vaasa typically does not face any major challenges caused by ice, but in winter, the freezing of the sea areas of the port affects vessel traffic, and during winter the fairways office imposes restrictions on weather and ice conditions and the vessel’s ice class and DWT. You can check the current restrictions here: http://baltice.org/ports/

Typically, solid ice covers the sea area in January and the last ice melts during April at the latest. Despite the solid ice cover, traffic to the port runs smoothly throughout the year. The icebreaking of the Vaasa fairway is the responsibility of Finnish state icebreakers. The port is also prepared for the challenges posed by ice, and the icebreaking in the port area and the turning basin is handled by Vaasan Hinaus Oy. Icebreaking up to the quay must be ordered at least 2 hours before the ship arrives. The ship’s departure must also be reported 2 hours in advance if the vessel needs icebreaking assistance.