Ice Class Requirements for Ships in All Estonian Ports Serviced by Icebreakers
On 18 January 2010, on the basis of subsection 45 (51) of the Maritime Safety Act and Regulation No. 265 of the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications of 23 December 2003 “Procedure for Ice-Breaking Activities”, the Director General of the MA signed a directive regarding requirements for ships visiting Estonian ports in the Gulf of Finland.
As of 26 January 2010, 00:00 hrs, all ships entering and leaving Muuga Harbour, the ports in the Tallinn and Kopli Bays, and Paldiski Põhjasadam and Lõunasadam (Paldiski North and South Harbour) will be required to have ice class 1C (Lloyd’s Register) or an equivalent ice class given by other classification societies, and main engine power no less than 1600 kW. Tugs and barges will not receive icebreaker assistance.
Similar requirements have already been established for ships visiting the ports of Kunda and Sillamäe, effective from 22 January 2010.