Big Port of St. Petersburg has announced tighten requirements to the hulls of ships making calls at the port. The ice-class restrictions are effective from February 20, 2012, the port authorities said.
According to Harbour Master Peter Parinov, the decision followed the unfavorable weather and ice forecast for the region.
As of now, half of the available icebreakers here have been operating in the Gulf of Finland. Year-to-date, the fleet of icebreakers has escorted to open water 142 cargo ships, 75 - in Jan. and 67 – in February. The Big Port St. Pb’s Ice Operations HQ plans to make up icebreaking operations schedule for the day ahead, said Parinov.
Over the next two weeks the ice restrictions will be announced in other Russian ports of the Gulf of Finland.
According to Harbour Master Peter Parinov, the decision followed the unfavorable weather and ice forecast for the region.
As of now, half of the available icebreakers here have been operating in the Gulf of Finland. Year-to-date, the fleet of icebreakers has escorted to open water 142 cargo ships, 75 - in Jan. and 67 – in February. The Big Port St. Pb’s Ice Operations HQ plans to make up icebreaking operations schedule for the day ahead, said Parinov.
Over the next two weeks the ice restrictions will be announced in other Russian ports of the Gulf of Finland.