Sweden's Maritime Administration has deployed all its icebreakers to keep ports open as cold weather freezes waters across the country. SMHI forecasts continued cold for ten days, and the fuel budget may run out within three weeks. Operational chief Amund Lindberg voices concern over resource shortages.
Sweden faces a harsh winter with ice forming in multiple waterways. The Maritime Administration is operating its icebreakers at full capacity to assist merchant vessels along the coasts. SMHI predicts cold weather for the next ten days, worsening the ice situation.
All six icebreakers are expected to be operational within a week. From February 4, assistance is limited to vessels with specific ice classification and engine power. This measure aims to keep ports open and secure the country's supply capabilities.
"Our task is to ensure that the ports remain open and thereby secure Sweden's supply capability. We are doing our utmost to fulfill our mission with the resources available," says Amund Lindberg, operational chief of the icebreaker division, in a press release.
The cold particularly affects areas north of Örnsköldsvik, where all low-powered ships now require aid. Yet the challenge extends beyond ice—the fuel budget risks depletion in just over two weeks if the cold persists. "We feel some concern," Lindberg tells Dagens Nyheter.
The administration is preparing for the worst, but resource limits raise questions about readiness for extreme weather.
