Estonia is ordering a new ship.
The new ship's ice class is 1B. This means the ship can navigate through 60 cm of ice. The old ships can navigate through 80 cm of ice.
The head of TS Ships says there are problems with ice. For example, on Thursday, there were difficulties on the Virtsu-Kuivastu line. On Friday, trips may be delayed.
The new ship uses batteries and biodiesel.
The project manager says that 1B class is sufficient for the Väinameri. Ice is rarely 60 cm thick.
The cost of the new ship is 41.9 million euros. 28 million comes from the European Union. The rest is provided by Estonia.
Until the new ship is ready, the Regulat ship will be used. Regulat is being repaired and will operate until 2028.