We extend a big thank you to the icebreakers

We extend a big thank you to the icebreakers

The 2023/2024 winter season is coming to an end. Thanks to the icebreakers from the Swedish Maritime Administration, the tug Vilja and, in context, favorable ice conditions, Port of Piteå has suffered very few delays.

The 2023/2024 winter season is coming to an end. Thanks to the icebreakers from the Swedish Maritime Administration, the tug Vilja and, in context, favorable ice conditions, Port of Piteå has suffered very few delays. According to the Swedish Maritime Administration, ice winter is defined by the extent of the ice and this year’s extent is classified as “normal”. Despite this, it has been a demanding period for the icebreakers, especially considering that the winter season started unusually early.

– During January-February, we had difficulty getting our units to reach around the coast, which led to us having to call in extra resources. There have also been several strong windy weathers that time and again compressed the ice field in the Gulf of Bothnia, says Isabella Grönfeldt, Icebreaker Management at the Maritime Administration.

– The icebreakers play a decisive role in keeping the ports open during the winter months and contribute greatly to functioning logistics for the companies in northern Sweden. We are very grateful to the Swedish Maritime Administration and Vilja from Port of Luleå, says Ulrika Nilsson, CEO.

Vilja breaks the ice at Port of Piteå’s fairways near the harbor, while the Swedish Maritime Administration’s icebreaker takes over at Leskär. Despite challenging ice conditions, Port of Piteå has experienced minimal delays. However, the fairway outside Leskär was closed for a day due to tough ice conditions.
– Compared to many other ports, we have had favorable ice conditions. This, of course, contributes to the maritime traffic being able to continue. We of course extend a big thank you to the icebreakers who have done a fantastic job, says Clas Johansson, shipping and safety manager.

Facts: The Swedish Maritime Administration’s icebreaker

• The Swedish Maritime Administration breaks ice at sea to help ships with navigation. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s icebreakers also assist merchant ships by monitoring, directing, guiding and towing.

Facts: Vilja from Port of Luleå

• Vilja, which measures 36×13 meters, is one of the world’s strongest hybrid powered icebreaking tugs. She is partly powered by electricity, which helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.