TS Laevad, the company responsible for ferry services between the mainland and major islands in Estonia, has decided to alter the routes of its ferries to ensure the preservation of the self-formed ice road connecting the mainland to Hiiumaa. By making larger detours for vessels heading to dock for maintenance, the company aims to protect this temporary ice pathway that serves as a crucial connection during winter months.

This decision highlights the importance of the ice road, which has become a significant means of transportation for both residents and visitors to Hiiumaa, especially when the usual ferry schedules might be disrupted by harsh weather. On Thursday evening, the ferry Leiger will return from maintenance, and on Friday at 5:30 PM, it will depart from Rohuküla to Heltermaa, helping maintain the essential link provided by the ice road.

The strategy illustrates how transportation services adjust operations in response to environmental conditions, balancing the need for connectivity with environmental preservation. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, such practices may become increasingly relevant, prompting discussions around sustainable transport solutions in island regions like Hiiumaa.