Couldn’t Stand It: The Old Icebreaker ‘Varma’ Has Gone to Break Ice in the Gulf of Riga 0 10

In the port area, icebreaking operations are carried out by the multifunctional ice-class vessel ‘Laura’. In turn, when winter frosts create ice in the sea bay, ‘Varma’ begins its work.

The last time ‘Varma’ went to break ice was in the winter of 2018. The maintenance of the vessel requires work throughout the year, and although it did not go out to break ice in previous winters, trial voyages and checks of mechanisms are conducted regularly, the management explains.

Management representatives note that preparing the vessel for operation takes a couple of days to staff the crew and carry out necessary supply operations. After the crew is assembled, the vessel is ready for work within a few hours.

The icebreaker’s operations are supported by a crew of 26 sailors. Most of the staff have experience participating in several icebreaking missions.

The icebreaker ‘Varma’ was built in 1968. Its length is 84.1 meters, and its width is 21.2 meters.