Estonia has three icebreakers. By 2028, there will be only two left when Tarmo retires. The state does not have the funds to build a new icebreaker. The State Fleet and the Ministry of Climate are seeking a solution.
Icebreaking in Estonia is still ongoing. Near Pärnu port, the ship EVA-316 is working. It helps break ice on a 40-nautical-mile route. In the Gulf of Finland, the ice has almost disappeared, but the icebreaker Botnica is ready to start work if the ice returns.
Tarmo is Estonia's oldest icebreaker. It will stop working in two years. Last winter, there were problems with Tarmo. The ship had to go for repairs. Tarmo is 63 years old and will retire. No new icebreaker will be built.
The state had a plan to build a new icebreaker, but there is no money. Building a new ship would take at least three years. Plus design time. By 2028, the new icebreaker will not be ready. Repairing Tarmo would cost a lot of money. It is not reasonable.
The new icebreaker would have cost 122 million euros. The state wanted to get money from the European Union but received only 33.6 million. The remaining money is not available. Now, a used ship is being sought to replace Tarmo.
With two icebreakers, Estonia does not have enough. If one ship breaks down, there will be a problem. 55% of Estonia's trade moves by sea. Therefore, a third icebreaker is important.
The new icebreaker should be multipurpose. It should also be able to clean marine pollution. This would make it financially reasonable.
Andres Laasma cannot say whether a replacement for Tarmo will be found. Work is underway. When the plan is finalized, decisions will be made.