Fennica begins icebreaking operations as Arctia’s third icebreaker
Icebreaker Fennica departed Kotka for the Bay of Bothnia on 11 January to strengthen winter icebreaking capacity and assist merchant shipping. Fennica started operations in the Bay of Bothnia as Arctia’s third icebreaker this winter.
Typically, Fennica has operated on icebreaking duties in the Gulf of Finland and the Bothnian Sea. Now, after a long time, the vessel is heading to the Bay of Bothnia, where the need for assistance to merchant vessels has increased due to the expansion and strengthening of the ice field.
“Before Christmas, we carried out an intensive preparation period on board, during which the required inspections and annual DP tests were completed. This ensured that Fennica and the crew are fully operationally ready for the demanding conditions of the Bay of Bothnia. The crew is motivated and ready to begin icebreaking operations already at this stage of the winter season,” says Tommy Berg, Master of icebreaker Fennica.
Further information: Paavo Kojonen, SVP, Icebreaking, +358 50 458 4391, paavo.kojonen@arctia.fi