STFI41 EFKL 100839

FINNISH ICE REPORT 10.05.2024

The ice in the Bay of Bothnia drifts to southeast.

In the northern Bay of Bothnia 40-70 cm thick rotting fast ice and
consolidated ice to north of Kemi 1 and to Oulu 1. Off Raahe 30-60 cm
thick drift ice with varying concentration to Jaakko. Farther out
open water approximately to the line Farstugrunden - Helsingkallan.
Some thick drifting floes in the area. Farther west 30-60 cm thick
ridged very close ice. Large areas of open water in the ice field.

In the southern Bay of Bothnia open water approximately to the center
line. There is a giant floe 15 nautical miles west of Kokkola
lighthouse. Farther west 15-50 cm thick, in places ridged, close and
very close ice.

In the Quark, from Holmgadd to northeast, there is an area of 10-40
cm thick open ice. Farther south open water.

In the Lake Saimaa open water and in places rotten ice.

Icebreakers: Polaris and Urho assist in the northern Bay of Bothnia.
Otso assists in the southern Bay of Bothnia.

Assistance restrictions: Minimum ice class and deadweight required of
assisted vessels:
Tornio, Kemi and Oulu, IA of more than 4000 tons.
Raahe, IA of more than 2000 tons.
Kalajoki, Kokkola and Pietarsaari, I of more than 2000 tons.

Vessels bound for Gulf of Bothnia ports in which assistance
restrictions apply, shall when passing latitude 6000' N report their
nationality, name, destination, ETA and speed to ICE INFO on VHF
channel 82. This report can also be given directly by telephone to
+46 10 492 7600.

Vessels bound for Finnish or Swedish ports with assistance
restrictions in the Quark or the Bay of Bothnia shall, 20 nautical
miles before Nordvalen Lighthouse (63 32,15' N 20 46,60' E), report
in accordance with the instructions for winter navigation to Bothnia
VTS on VHF channel 67.

The traffic separation schemes in the Quark are temporarily out of
use.