Tag: Finland

Polaris, as being the newest addition to Finland's fleet, is the first icebreaker that runs on LNG, a lower-carbon alternative to the diesel fuel which powers most large ships. The icebreaker is keeping shipping lanes open for about six months, enabling the voyage of cargo ships that carry steel, paper products and chemicals in and out of the ports serving northern Finland and neighbouring Sweden.

Serious technical problems with cranes slowed down the deployment of ESL Shipping’s new LNG-fueled bulk carriers, the Finland-based shipping company, part of the ASPO Group, stated. The problems in the conventional mechanics of high-power cranes, which are subject to warranty, have significantly interfered with the efficient operations of both vessels.

According to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, the boating year 2018 continued until late autumn and claimed the lives of 51 boaters. The accidents followed a pattern of a small boat, older man and cottage shore. The renewed Water Transport Act now gives more emphasis on life vests and other floating equipment.

IB Polaris is the first icebreaker in the world to use an LNG engine and has bunkered  LNG at the Tornio LNG terminal in Röyttä Harbour. Polaris joined the fleet of Finland’s icebreaker operator Arctia in September 2016. Except the use of LNG, the lubricant used in the vessel's propulsion system is biodegradable. The ship’s gray water, which basically consists of showering water, is collected to a container which is emptied during port calls. 

A new ferry that will combine energy efficiency, flexibility and optimised space availability, will soon start operation between Umeå in Sweden and Vaasa in Finland. The ferry will have been constructed by 2021 and will run mainly on LNG. The ship will also be able to burn biogas, while it will incorporate battery power to reduce its emissions while on port.

Finland will allow remote pilotage subject to authorisation in public channels and in the Saimaa Canal lease area, that have been marked as routes requiring pilotage. The Pilotage Act will now allow the pilot to perform his/her duties somewhere else than onboard the vessel. Finland proposed on 17 January 2019 that the Pilotage Act be adopted and is now expected to enter into force on 1 February 2019.

Arctia's icebreaker Kontio, the season's second icebreaker, landed on the icebreaker base in Helsinki, Finland on December 29, 2018. The icebreaker will assist vessels that are to arrive in the operation area near Oulu and Raahe on December 30, 2018. Namely, Kontio icebreaker is the second vessel arriving in the area. Specifically, icebreaker Otso departed on December 25, in Bothnian Bay and is already providing assistance to vessels in the area.

The Finnish Transport Agency published instructions for winter navigation in collaboration with the industry, shipping companies, charterers, vessels, icebreakers, pilots and vessel traffic services. During winter navigation ships are facing more risks than when sailing in ice-free waters.

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Finland’s Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), for the study of the development of a business case for the use of alternative fuels with Wärtsilä generating sets. The MoU was signed on 13 November.

Finland is trying to reduce GHG emissions from shipping and establish measures for reducing these emissions from next year. Actions will include improving energy efficiency of ships, research and development activities and the introduction of alternative fuels.