Icebreaker Polaris towards to Bothnian Bay
Arctia’s icebreaker Polaris departed on 27 January 2026 to assist merchant ships in the Bay of Bothnia. Polaris is the fourth of Arctia’s icebreakers to begin icebreaking operations this winter. Arctia's icebreakers Voima, Otso and Fennica are already assisting merchant ship traffic in the Bothnian Bay.
Icebreakers have an important role to play in ensuring the smooth running of maritime transport and security of supply in winter conditions. "Winter has tightened its grip, and ice conditions in the Bothnian Bay have become more challenging in recent days, as ice formation continues at a steady pace. On Thursday, the wind is also forecast to pick up, so the ice field will move faster and it will make it more difficult for merchant ships to proceed”, says Pasi Järvelin, Master of the icebreaker Polaris.
We wish Polaris a successful icebreaking season!
For more information: Paavo Kojonen, SVP, Icebreaking, 050 458 4391, paavo.kojonen@arctia.fi