The Gulf of Finland's challenging ice conditions have started to impede Russian exports, as reported by the Russian business newspaper Kommersant. As per the data from companies and industrial associations, the movement of ships carrying Russian goods has been severely affected by two main factors. First, port authorities have imposed navigational restrictions because of a shortage of icebreakers. Second, mandatory underwater inspections for ships, lacking the necessary infrastructure, have become practically impossible in some areas due to the ice conditions.

According to Kommersant, on February 13, the Russian Steel Association sent a letter to Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin, detailing these restrictions, which essentially paralyze the export of metal products through the seaports of Northwest Russia. The association highlighted that, despite the buyers utilizing ice-class vessels for transporting metallurgical products, the lack of icebreakers is creating significant transport challenges that hinder overall export capabilities.

This situation brings to light the broader implications of infrastructural challenges on Russia's trade routes, particularly in winter months when ice conditions are prevalent. With the Gulf of Finland being a crucial passage for many industries, this slowdown not only affects local businesses but also has potential ramifications for Russia's economic relationships with its trading partners, as delays could impact supply chains in various sectors.