Zeus of Finland Concludes Finland’s Longest Icebreaking Season

Alfons Håkans’ icebreaker Zeus of Finland has concluded an exceptionally long and demanding icebreaking season in Finland. The vessel secures winter navigation in Finnish waters under contract with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.

Alfons Håkans won the agency’s competitive tender for icebreaking services with its C-class icebreaker Zeus of Finland. The agreement is valid for three years and includes options for up to three additional years. Under the new contract, the vessel’s standby season extends from November until the end of May.

The recently concluded icebreaking season proved exceptionally long. Zeus of Finland operated for a total of 168 days, making it the longest icebreaking season in Finland this winter. The season began already in November due to early ice conditions caused by the polar vortex and concluded this week in the Bay of Bothnia.

During the season, Zeus played a key role in Finland’s winter navigation system. It was the first icebreaker to commence operations and the last to conclude them. The vessel operated across a wide area stretching from the Bothnian Sea to the northern reaches of the Bay of Bothnia.

Today, Zeus of Finland returned to Turku and entered its summer lay-up period. During the summer, the vessel will undergo the necessary maintenance and servicing work to ensure full operational readiness for the next icebreaking season beginning in November.

The long and demanding season demonstrates the performance of our fleet and the professionalism of our crew. Reliable winter navigation depends on seamless cooperation between stakeholders, and as a private, family-owned company, we are proud of our role in securing maritime traffic during challenging winter conditions.