The Gulf of Finland is facing significant navigational challenges for cargo vessels due to adverse ice conditions and high winds, as reported by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto). These conditions have resulted in several cargo ships getting stuck in ice both in the international waters of the Gulf and within Finland's territorial waters. This has raised concerns about maritime safety and efficiency during the winter shipping season.

In response to these challenges, Russian icebreakers may be called upon to assist cargo ships operating in Finnish territorial waters, which is a standard international practice during winter maritime operations. The cooperation between Finnish and Russian maritime authorities is critical for ensuring that vessels can safely navigate through these icy conditions, highlighting the interconnected nature of regional maritime operations.

Both the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and the Finnish Border Guard are actively working in the area to ensure safe maritime operations. The Border Guard is responsible for search and rescue operations as well as environmental damage prevention, while Väylävirasto oversees the organization of winter shipping activities in Finland. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of maintaining safe maritime routes during challenging seasonal conditions, which are crucial for trade and transportation in the region.