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Of: TT
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Photo: Pontus Lundahl / TT
The icebreakers Atle, Frej and Oden at the Luleå harbor quay. Stock Photography.
It’s an unusual icebreaker season that starts this weekend. The spread of infection on board icebreakers can cause significant disruptions to operations and, ultimately, to ship traffic in the Gulf of Bothnia.
It will still be some time before the Swedish Maritime Administration expects to have to send some icebreakers on mission. But on Saturday, the first of the annual restrictions on winter shipping will be introduced: Those who drive a ship that is not adapted for ice also cannot count on the help of an icebreaker.
The purpose of the restriction, which can be said to mark the start of the ice season, is to ensure that ships that are unfit for ice stop operating in the area in question. In addition to reducing the risk of accidents, this means that the icebreakers do not have to go out to sea to help boats that are not adapted for winter navigation.
– The most efficient and environmentally friendly icebreaker you can make is the one that doesn’t happen. There is a lot of power in icebreaker machines of this size. When we press the start button, it consumes between two and four tons of fuel per hour, says Amund Lindberg, operations manager at the Swedish Maritime Administration’s icebreaker line.
Icebreaker in Helsingborg
In anticipation of emergency calls, the business had to adjust to the crown. The icebreaker Oden, which had to cancel the polar expedition this summer, is located in Helsingborg instead of Luleå. It will shorten the itinerary to the ship for the staff, who largely come from southern Sweden.
In one unit, staff agreed to extend their tours, from the usual two to four weeks. Shifts should also not overlap, but the entire crew is replaced after four weeks.
Not only in the workplace
Antibody testing has been carried out by staff at regular intervals since last spring, and the Swedish Maritime Administration is in contact with infection control to quickly access comprehensive tests when needed.
– So of course we cannot guarantee that you will be free from infection on board, if you infect you on board a ship, it is very difficult. If there is a spread, it will affect the business, but there are plans for how we will act in different situations, says Amund Lindberg.
– It is not just a workplace for the crew, it is also their home. You’re on board when the workday ends, says Amund Lindberg.
The latest SMHI forecasts do not indicate that there is ice about to settle over the Gulf of Bothnia. But Amund Lindberg hopes the icebreakers can go out before last winter’s record, when the first assist took place in late January.
– Those of us who work with icebreakers love ice. It is not the case that we want difficult ice conditions, because we know the consequences and the costs for the industry. But then it is terribly beautiful with ice, it will be a completely different world at sea, says Amund Lindberg.
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