Record ice cover in the Baltic Sea, particularly around Russia's key ports, is poised to disrupt oil exports as only ice-class vessels can safely navigate the icy waters. The Gulf of Finland, which is crucial for Russia’s seaborne oil exports, is nearing complete freezing, resulting in port authorities restricting access to non-certified ships. This has led to longer waiting times for vessels needing icebreaker escort, extending ship wait times by five to seven days at assembly points.

St. Petersburg's chief meteorologist, Alexander Kolesov, indicates that the current freeze is unprecedented since early 2011, and there's no immediate relief in sight as conditions are continuing to worsen. The port's functionality is critical, as it is responsible for handling around 40% of Russia's oil exports, meaning any disruption could have significant implications not just for Russia's economic revenues but also for global oil supply dynamics. The ongoing situation is emblematic of the challenges posed by climate conditions on energy markets.

As the ice cover continues to expand, the supply of ice-class tankers has become a pressing issue, raising questions about Russia's ability to maintain its export commitments. This situation underscores the vulnerability of energy supplies to climatic variations and the potential ripple effects on global oil prices and markets, particularly in times of already high tensions and economic sanctions in the region.