The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) has released the updated edition of Finland’s Winter Navigation 2025–2026 publication, a guiding document for maritime operators navigating Finnish and adjacent Swedish ice areas during the upcoming winter season.
The publication, which is updated annually, contains general instructions and operational guidelines for winter navigation in Finnish waters covered by ice conditions. The update reinforces compliance with safety-focused ice navigation practices and outlines procedures for participation in the winter navigation system.
The Dutch flag is by far the largest flag used by ice-classed ships calling at Finnish ports (accounting to almost 25% during the ice season 2024–2025).
Mandatory Compliance Question
Under the updated guidelines, all vessels arriving for the first time in the icebreaking season to a Finnish or Swedish ice assistance area will be asked whether they accept and commit to follow the winter navigation instructions contained in the 2025–2026 publication.
The guide is mainly intended for deck officers and it is a maritime publication compliant with SOLAS regulations. With provisions relating to route planning and the safe passage of the vessel under the Maritime Act. It also includes information and instructions about the special conditions in the Baltic Sea, as well as useful information for charterers and all parties working towards smooth and particularly safe winter navigation.
In order to ensure a safe and smooth flow of traffic in the entire winter navigation system, it is vital that vessels meets the requirements and that the crew follows the instructions in Finland's Winter Navigation 2025–2026.
When the ice situation becomes more difficult, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency imposes assistance restrictions for the winter ports.
Operational and Safety Instructions
The updated Winter Navigation publication includes sections on:
- Icebreaker Assistance and Restrictions – Specifications on ice classes and minimum dead-weight tonnage requirements for vessels seeking state-arranged icebreaking support.
- Assistance Procedures – Protocols for how and where vessels report and request assistance in varying ice conditions.
- Regulatory Compliance – Instructions aligned with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and Finnish Maritime Act requirements, with emphasis on thorough route planning and safe passage.
Supporting Winter Navigation Services
Icebreaking services for the season are arranged under agreements between the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and service providers including Arctia Icebreaking Ltd and other contracted firms. These arrangements support the agency’s responsibility for coordinating and procuring state-organized icebreaking and assistance operations in Finnish waters.
Download and additional information
The full Finland’s Winter Navigation 2025–2026 document is available on the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s website and in the Master’s Guide portal in English, Finnish, and Swedish formats.
Click here to download the publication
Click here to find the latest information about current restrictions and how to apply for exemptions