The ferry Regula is experiencing significant delays on the Virtsu-Kuivastu route due to challenging ice conditions, with crossing times now taking up to 1.5 hours instead of the usual half hour.
The Regula ferry service between Virtsu and Kuivastu in Estonia is currently facing substantial delays, as difficult ice conditions cause the crossing time to increase to as much as 1.5 hours. Normally, the journey is completed in around half an hour; however, current weather conditions, including shallow water, thick ice, and unfavorable winds, are creating a challenging operational environment for the vessel. Meanwhile, the primary vessel Piret is reportedly operating on schedule.
TS Laevad, the ferry operator, has advised passengers to plan for longer travel times when using the Regula ferry. The first schedule after loading and unloading now takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The company indicates that subsequent departures throughout the day should be expected to last about an hour. Updates on schedule changes are available on the praamid.ee website, and travelers who have purchased e-tickets are being notified via SMS regarding delays and schedule modifications.
This situation highlights the impact of environmental conditions on maritime transport in Estonia, particularly during the winter months when ice formation can disrupt regular schedules. The accumulation of ice in ports further complicates operations, as evidenced in Kuivastu, where low water levels typically limit access to fitting berths, thereby hampering the ferry's ability to dock efficiently. The ongoing challenges likely raise concerns for timely and reliable transportation in the region, especially as winter progresses.
