Baltic Workboats' ship deliveries frozen by record sea ice in Estonia
Thick sea ice this winter has affected major deliveries at Baltic Workboats (BWB), a shipyard in Nasva, Estonia. The company's new work vessel for the state fleet is nearly complete but remains stuck on land. With 16 ships under construction, deliveries to customers across the Baltic region are now at risk.
The unusual ice conditions have blocked Nasva harbour, preventing an icebreaker from reaching the area. Even BWB's own vessels cannot cruise through the frozen waters. As a result, the company cannot launch or deliver ships, including the new state work vessel.
Negotiations with customers have become more complicated because ports in recipient countries, such as Klaipėda in Lithuania, also face thick ice. Finland, Sweden, and Estonia have experienced similar problems this winter. Of the 16 ships currently being built, 12 are destined for these affected regions.
BWB has tried to find solutions with some buyers over the delays. However, meeting deadlines remains difficult. The ice is not expected to melt until the spring thaw, likely in April. Until then, deliveries will stay on hold.
The ice has also disrupted wider transport in Estonia. Larger vessels have struggled, and some smaller islands have been cut off from regular ferry services.
The delays mean BWB and its customers must wait for warmer weather before ships can be launched or delivered. With 12 of the 16 vessels bound for ice-affected countries, the situation is unlikely to improve until the spring thaw. Until then, both the shipyard and local transport networks will continue facing disruptions.
