Icebreaking & Winter navigation
Maritime transport has to work regardless of the season. The Swedish Maritime Administration operates a number of icebreakers and can, if required, charter additional external resources.
Present & announced restrictions
Traffic restrictions are imposed to improve the safety and efficiency of winter navigation. Icebreaker assistance will only be given to vessels, which meet the requirements set out in the traffic restrictions.
Contact us
The local offices are, within each operating district, responsible for obtaining and passing information, requests and instructions concerning the icebreaking services.
Ice classes & recuirements
Defining ice-strengthening requirements, the Swedish Maritime Administration uses the Finnish-Swedish Ice-Class Designations valid from 2009.
The history of Nordic icebreaking
The first sea icebreaker built for Nordic waters was delivered by the Finnboda Shipyard in 1890.
Our icebreakers
The Swedish Maritime Administration operates five icebreakers named after ancient Norse gods, Ale, Atle, Frej, Oden and Ymer.
Last updated 2021-02-23