Voima Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

Finland is on the verge of retiring the historic icebreaker 'Voima', recognized as the oldest operational icebreaker globally. The decision comes as part of a strategic move to replace it with a state-of-the-art, conventionally powered vessel designed to navigate the challenging winter conditions of the Baltic Sea. Launched from the Wärtsilä shipyard and entering service in February 1954, the 'Voima' underwent significant modernization between 1978 and 1979. Notably, it was the first icebreaker constructed in Finland following World War II. The introduction of a new icebreaker will follow as the tender process is currently underway, marking an important advancement in enhancing Finland's state-owned icebreaker fleet.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at precisely noon, Arctia's icebreaker Voima embarked from Katajanokka, located in Helsinki, to undertake vital icebreaking operations in the Eastern Gulf of Finland. Despite the relatively mild ice conditions affecting southern Finland this winter, the decision to deploy Voima aims to facilitate unobstructed navigation in the Eastern Gulf, where the formation of brash ice barriers at the ice edge may pose challenges for less robust vessels. The proactive measure is essential to ensuring safe passage for maritime traffic in this region.