The Port of Turku has encountered one of its most challenging ice winters in years, with the icebreaker 'Iso-Pukki' being active 70 times this February alone. Juha Tammi, the captain of this icebreaking tugboat owned by Alfons Håkans, emphasized the intense work required to ensure that the port waterways are navigable for arriving ships, especially with the Viking Glory expected to dock. The breakage is necessary in narrow areas to assist large vessels in port maneuvers.

The conditions in the Baltic Sea this year have been particularly extreme, causing the ice cover to thicken rapidly compared to typical winters, where gradual freezing occurs with a slow buildup of frost. As a result, Tammi and his team have had to work against the clock to ensure that safe passage is maintained for incoming ships, which are sometimes capable of navigating through ice but still require assistance in tighter spaces. This situation highlights the unique challenges in maritime operations during severe winters in Finland and the importance of icebreakers for maintaining safe and efficient shipping routes.

Last winter, there was no need for icebreaking due to milder conditions, making this year's workload notable. The increased ice activity stresses the importance of these specialized vessels in the country's ice management strategies, emphasizing the evolving impacts of climate and weather patterns on maritime logistics and operations in Finnish ports.