Icebreaking Services

 
     3. Procedure for icebreaking services provision
 

     Icebreaker assistance to vessels in the seaports – Big Port of St Petersburg, Vyborg, Vysotsk, Passenger Port of St Petersburg, Primorsk and Ust Luga – is provided by the North-Western Basin Branch in accordance with the decisions of the Basin Commission for Icebreaker assistance to vessels organization in the seaports of the Eastern part of the Gulf of Finland and on the approaches to them, headed by the captain of the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg and taking into account the requirements of:

     - Compulsory Regulations in the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg approved by Order No. 388 of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated 19.12.2016, regarding organization of vessels navigation in ice in the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg;

     - Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Vyborg approved by Order No. 432 of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated 13.12.2012, regarding organization of vessels navigation in ice in the seaport of Vyborg and transiting through the Saimaa Canal;

     - Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Vysotsk approved by Order No. 161 of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated 05.05.2015, regarding organization of vessels navigation in ice in the seaport of Vysotsk and transiting through the Saimaa Canal;

     - Compulsory Regulations in the seaport Passenger Port of Saint Petersburg approved by Order No. 380, of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated 19.10.2012, regarding organization of vessels navigation in ice in the seaport Passenger Port of Saint Petersburg;

     - Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Primorsk approved by Order No. 5 of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated 15.01.2013, regarding organization of vessels navigation in ice in the seaport of Primorsk;

     - Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Ust-Luga approved by Order No. 6 of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated 15.01.2013 , regarding organization of vessels navigation in ice in the seaport of Ust-Luga.
 
     Basin Commission for Icebreaker assistance to vessels organization in the seaports of the Eastern part of the Gulf of Finland and on the approaches to them is established under FSBE “Baltic Seaports Administration”. The commission operates in accordance with provision on it (Order of the Head of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “AMP of the Baltic Sea” No 15 of 21 January 2015 “On approval of Regulations of the Basin Commission for arrangement of ice escorts of ships in the Russian seaports in the Baltic Sea and their approaches” and Order of the Head of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “AMP of the Baltic Sea” No 61-OD of 16.10.2023 “On the Basin Commission for arrangement of ice escorts of ships in the Russian seaports in the Baltic Sea and their approaches”), and performs prompt work on recommendations development for icebreaker assistance to vessels organization, establishing navigational discipline and for other issues on ensuring safety of navigation in ice conditions before the start of winter navigation.

     Taking into account the resolutions developed by the Basin Commission, the masters of seaports issue necessary orders for the respective seaports regarding introduction of restrictions in ice navigation for vessels in the water areas of seaports and on the approaches to them that shall be published on the FSBI “Baltic Sea Administration” official website.  
 
     Procedure of provision of Icebreaking services in the seaports Big Port of Saint Petersburg and Passenger Port of Saint Petersburg
 
     Icebreaker support of vessels proceeding to/from the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg or Passenger Port of Saint Petersburg is provided by the North-Western Basin Branch icebreakers by vessel navigation in the icebreaker convoy from/to the Convoy Meeting Point (hereinafter - the CMP) from/to the borders of the Inner water area of the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg. If it is impossible to navigate in the icebreaker convoy, the vessel can request individual icebreaker support, which is provided by the North-Western Basin Branch at availability of icebreakers free from icebreaker escort of convoys.
     Information on vessel approaching the CMP is reported via web interface “Information Coordination Center of State Port Control: Registration of Vessel Port Calls and Departures from the Seaports of the Russian Federation” at the following url: www.portcall.marinet.ru 72 hours before the expected CMT approaching and shall be confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.
     Time and order in which vessels move through ice, as well as the number of vessels, are determined by the captain of the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg as of 10 a.m. every 24 hours and published on FBSI “Baltic Seaports Administration” website. At complication of ice conditions and if it is necessary to make changes, the time and order of vessels moving through ice are clarified as of 08:00 p.m. of current day and then published on the website.
     Depending on the forecasted ice situation in the water area of the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg or Passenger Port Saint Petersburg the captain of the respective seaport imposes restrictions on the regime of ice navigation in accordance with the provisions of the Compulsory Regulations in the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg and the Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Passenger Port Saint Petersburg. Information on the ice navigation restrictions and the CMP location is published on website: www.pasp.ru not later than 14 days before the expected date for restrictions for ice navigation imposition and the CMP location. 
     The convoy is formed by the captain of the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg and Passenger Port of Saint Petersburg based on:

          - time of vessel's approach to the Convoy Meeting Point (hereinafter – the CMP)

          - time of receipt of application for call at the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg or departure from the relevant seaport;
          - vessel movement priority;
          - restrictions in ice navigation for vessels.

     With reassigning the floating structure on the Kronshtadt Ship Channel and the St Petersburg Seaway Canal to the winter operating mode the captain of the seaport of Big Port Saint Petersburg establishes one-way vessel traffic and vessel traffic stops on

     a) the Ship Channel;

     b) Fairway No 1;

     c) the approach channel of the harbor of the settlement of Strelna;

     d) the Lakhta Channel;

     e) outside the territory of the protected navigable area of the main ship channel. 
     Applications for including vessels in the convoy for icebreaker support with specifying the time of vessel approach to the CMP or its readiness for departing the seaport Big Port of Saint Petersburg or Passenger Port of Saint Petersburg are transferred to the captain of the seaport by the Internet: www.portcall.marinet.ru. Information on vessel approach to the CMP is reported 72 hours before the expected approach to the CMP and confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.
     Vessels heading for the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg or Passenger Port Saint Petersburg approach the CMP in compliance with recommendations given by Saint Petersburg VTS.
     At approaching the CMP, vessel establish radio contact with icebreaker of the North-Western Basin Branch on 9 and 12 VHF channel (call sign – the name of icebreaker forming convoy) and then operates in accordance with the instructions of the icebreaker’s master. If the necessity arises, Saint Petersburg VTS, depending on vessel's location, provides aid for establishing radio contact with icebreaker.
     Vessels having approached Saint Petersburg Entrance Buoy No. 1 from the West, wait for the convoy formation for proceeding to the seaport to the south from axis of fairway No. 1 in accordance with the recommendations of Saint Petersburg VTS.
     Vessels departing from the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg or Passenger Port Saint Petersburg shall wait for convoy formation for proceeding to the West to the north from axis of fairway No. 1 in accordance with the recommendations of Saint Petersburg VTS. 
     Under the escorting icebreaker captain's order, vessels included in the convoy change to VHF radio channels and give information on dimensions, draft, power of main vessel engines, register ice class of the vessel and information on loading of the vessel (vessel is light or loaded), as well as information on main engine maneuvering in manual mode possibility, to the captain.
     Fueling, food and water reserves on the vessel should ensure vessel endurance no less than 14 days from the moment of vessel's approach to the CMP for proceeding to the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg or Passenger Port Saint Petersburg. If the vessel remains in the icebreaker asssistance area for more than 14 days from the moment of vessel's approach to CMP, the captain of the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg takes urgent measures for the escort of vessel to seaport.
     Due to the real ice situation in the water area of the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg and the technical characteristics of vessels, the vessels can proceed to/from the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg independently in accordance with the recommendations of Saint Petersburg VTS. Vessels, proceeding independently must inform the VTS, in the coverage area of which they navigate, about passage of control points of the recommended route and report on the ice situation on the route.
 
     For the provision of North-Western Basin Branch icebreaking services for vessels escort to/from the seaport Big Port Saint Petersburg or Passenger Port Saint Petersburg icebreaker dues are charged. Information about the rates of icebreaker dues in seaports Big Port Saint Petersburg and Passenger Port Saint Petersburg can be found in section “Harbor Dues and Tariffs of the North-Western Basin Branch”.
 
     Procedure of provision of icebreaking services in the seaports of Vyborg and Vysotsk
 
     Icebreaker assistance to vessels proceeding to/from the seaport of Vyborg or Vysotsk is carried out by the North-Western Basin Branch linear or port icebreakers by vessels proceeding in icebreaker convoy to/from Vysotsky Gates, if the vessel is heading for the seaport of Vysotsk; or Pilot buoy (coordinates: latitude 60º34,5´N  longitude=28º24,5´E), if the vessel is heading for the seaport of Vyborg; or "Brusnichnoe" flood gate, if vessel is transiting through the Saimaa canal. In case of impossibility to navigate in icebreaker convoy, the vessel can request individual icebreaker support rendered by the North-Western Basin Branch if icebreakers not performing escorts of convoys are available.

      Information on vessel approaching the CMP is reported via web interface “Information Coordination Center of State Port Control: Registration of Vessel Port Calls and Departures from the Seaports of the Russian Federation” at the following url: www.portcall.marinet.ru 72 hours before the expected CMT approaching and shall be confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.

     Time and order of vessels moving through ice, as well as the number of vessels, are determined by the captain of the seaport of Vyborg as of 10 a.m. every 24 hours and published on FBSI “Baltic Seaports Administration” website. At complication of ice conditions and if it is necessary to make changes, the time and the order of vessels moving through ice are clarified as of 08:00 p.m. of current day and then published on the website.

     Depending on the forecasted ice situation in the water area of the seaport of Vyborg or Vysotsk,  the captain of the respective seaport imposes restrictions on the regime of ice navigation in accordance with the provisions of the Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Vyborg and the Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Vysotsk. Information on the ice navigation restrictions and the CMP location is published on website of FSBI “Baltic Sea Administration”  not later than 14 days before the expected date for restrictions for ice navigation imposition and the CMP location.
     The convoy is formed by the captain of the seaport the seaport of Vyborg based on:

          - time of vessel's approach to the Convoy Meeting Point (hereinafter – the CMP)

          - time of receipt of application for call at the seaport of Vyborg or Vysotsk or departure from the relevant seaport;

          - vessel movement priority;
          - restrictions in ice navigation for vessels.

     Applications for including vessels in the convoy for icebreaker support with specifying the time of vessel approach to the CMP or its readiness for departing seaport of Vyborg or Vysotsk are transferred to the captain of the seaport by the Internet: www.portcall.marinet.ru. Information on vessel approach to the CMP is reported 72 hours before the expected approach to the CMP and confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.

     Vessels heading for the seaport of Vyborg or Vysotsk approach the CMP in compliance with recommendations given by the Vysotsk VTS.
     At approaching the CMP, the vessel establishes radio contact with icebreaker of the North-Western Basin Branch on 12 and 69 VHF channel (call sign – the name of icebreaker forming convoy) and then operates in accordance with the instructions of the icebreaker’s captain. If the necessity arises, the Vysotsk VTS, depending on vessel's location, provides aid for establishing radio contact with icebreaker.
    Under the escorting icebreaker captain’s order, vessels included in the convoy change to VHF radio channels and give information on dimensions, draft, power of main vessel engines, register ice class of the vessel and information on loading of the vessel (vessel is light or loaded), as well as information on main engine maneuvering in manual mode possibility to the captain.
     Fueling, food and water reserves on the vessel should ensure vessel endurance no less than 14 days from the moment of vessel's approach to the CMP for proceeding to the seaport of Vyborg or Vysotsk. If the vessel remains in the icebreaker assistance area for more than 14 days the moment of vessel's approach to the CMP, the captains of the seaports of Vyborg and Vysotsk take urgent measures to escort the vessel to the seaport.
     Due to the real ice situation in the water area of the seaports of Vyborg and Vysotsk, and the technical characteristics of vessels, the vessels can proceed to/from seaports of Vyborg and Vysotsk independently in accordance with the recommendations of Vysotsk VTS. Vessels, proceeding independently must inform the VTS, in the coverage area of which they navigate, about passage of control points of the recommended route and report on the ice situation on the route.
 
     For the provision of North-Western Basin Branch icebreaking services for vessels escort to / from the seaport of Vyborg of Vysotsk  icebreaker dues are charged. Information about the rates of icebreaker dues in seaports of Vyborg or Vysotsk can be found in section “Harbor Dues and Tariffs of the North-Western Basin Branch”.
 
     Procedure of provision of icebreaking services in the seaport of Primorsk
 
     Icebreaker support of vessels proceeding to/from the seaport of Primorsk is provided by the North-Western Basin Branch icebreakers by vessel navigation in the icebreaker convoy from/to the CMP from/to the berths of the seaport of Primorsk. If it is impossible to navigate in the icebreaker convoy, the vessel can request individual icebreaker support, which is provided by the North-Western Basin Branch at availability of icebreakers free from icebreaker escort of convoys.

     Information on vessel approaching the CMP is reported via web interface “Information Coordination Center of State Port Control: Registration of Vessel Port Calls and Departures from the Seaports of the Russian Federation” at the following url: www.portcall.marinet.ru 72 hours before the expected CMT approaching and shall be confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.

     Time and order of vessels moving through ice, as well as the number of vessels, are determined by the captain of the seaport of Primorsk as of 10 a.m. every 24 hours and published on FBSI “Baltic Seaports Administration” website. At complication of ice conditions and if it is necessary to make changes, the time and the order of vessels moving through ice are clarified as of 08:00 p.m. of current day and then published on the website.

     Depending on the forecasted ice situation in the water area of the seaport Primorsk,  the captain of the respective seaport imposes restrictions on the regime of ice navigation in accordance with the provisions of the Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Primorsk Information on the ice navigation restrictions and the CMP location is published on website of FSBI “Baltic Sea Administration”  not later than 14 days before the expected date for restrictions for ice navigation imposition and the CMP location.

     The convoy is formed by the captain of the seaport of Primorsk based on:

          - time of vessel's approach to the Convoy Meeting Point (hereinafter – the CMP)

          - time of receipt of application for call at the seaport of Primorsk or departure from the relevant seaport;
          - vessel movement priority;
          - restrictions in ice navigation for vessels.

     Applications for including vessels in the convoy for icebreaker support with specifying the time of vessel approach to the CMP or its readiness for departing from the seaport of Primorsk are transferred to the captain of the seaport by the Internet: www.portcall.marinet.ru. Information on vessel approach to the CMP is reported 72 hours before the expected approach to the CMP and confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.

     Vessels heading for the seaport of Primorsk approach the CMP in compliance with recommendations given by the Primorsk VTS.
     At approaching the CMP, vessel establish radio contact with icebreaker of the North-Western Basin Branch on 16 and 68 VHF channel (call sign – the name of icebreaker forming convoy) and then operates in accordance with the instructions of the icebreaker’s captain. If the necessity arises, the Primorsk VTS, depending on vessel's location, provides aid for establishing radio contact with icebreaker.
     Under the escorting icebreaker captain’s order, vessels included in the convoy change to VHF radio channels and give information on dimensions, draft, power of main vessel engines, register ice class of the vessel and information on loading of the vessel (vessel is light or loaded), as well as information on main engine maneuvering in manual mode possibility to the captain.
     Fueling, food and water reserves on the vessel should ensure vessel endurance no less than 14 days from the moment of vessel's approach to the CMP for proceeding to the seaport of Primorsk. If the vessel remains in the icebreaker assistance area for more than 14 days from the moment of vessel's approach to the CMP, the captain of the seaport of Primorsk takes urgent measures for vessel's escort to the seaport.

     Icebreaking support of vessels is carried out by the North-Western Basin Branch on the fairway No. 5a or recommended routes No. 1 and No. 2.
     Due to the real ice situation in the water area of the seaport of Primorsk and the technical characteristics of vessels, the vessels can proceed to/from seaport of Primorsk  independently in accordance with the recommendations of the Primorsk VTS. Vessels, proceeding independently must inform the VTS, in the coverage area of which they navigate, about passage of control points of the recommended route and report on the ice situation on the route.
 
     For the provision of North-Western Basin Branch icebreaking services for vessels escort to/from the seaport of Primorsk  icebreaker dues are charged. Information about the rates of icebreaker dues in seaport of Primorsk can be found in section “Harbor Dues and Tariffs of the North-Western Basin Branch”.
 
     Procedure of provision of icebreaking services in the seaport of Ust-Luga
 
     Icebreaker support of vessels proceeding to/from the seaport of Ust-Luga is provided by the North-Western Basin Branch icebreakers by vessel navigation in the icebreaker convoy from/to the CMP from/to the berths of the seaport of Ust-Luga. If it is impossible to navigate in the icebreaker convoy, the vessel can request individual icebreaker support, which is provided by the North-Western Basin Branch at availability of icebreakers free from icebreaker escort of convoys.

     Information on vessel approaching the CMP is reported via web interface “Information Coordination Center of State Port Control: Registration of Vessel Port Calls and Departures from the Seaports of the Russian Federation” at the following url: www.portcall.marinet.ru 72 hours before the expected CMT approaching and shall be confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.

     Time and order of vessels moving through ice, as well as the number of vessels, are determined by the captain of the seaport of Ust-Luga as of 10 a.m. every 24 hours and published on FBSI “Baltic Seaports Administration” website. At complication of ice conditions and if it is necessary to make changes, the time and the order of vessels moving through ice are clarified as of 08:00 p.m. of current day and then published on the website.
     Depending on the forecasted ice situation in the water area of the seaport of Ust-Luga,  the captain of the respective seaport imposes restrictions on the regime of ice navigation in accordance with the provisions of the Compulsory Regulations in the seaport of Ust-Luga. Information on the ice navigation restrictions and the CMP location is published on website of FSBI “Baltic Sea Administration”  not later than 14 days before the expected date for restrictions for ice navigation imposition and the CMP location.
     The convoy is formed by the captain of the seaport of Ust-Luga based on:

          - time of vessel's approach to the Convoy Meeting Point (hereinafter – the CMP)$

          - time of receipt of application for call at the seaport of Ust-Luga or departure from the relevant seaport;
          - vessel movement priority;
          - restrictions in ice navigation for vessels.

     Applications for including vessels in the convoy for icebreaker support with specifying the time of vessel approach to the CMP or its readiness for departing from the seaport of Ust-Luga are transferred to the captain of the seaport by the Internet: www.portcall.marinet.ru. Information on vessel approach to the CMP is reported 72 hours before the expected approach to the CMP and confirmed 24 hours before the expected approach.

     Vessels heading for the seaport of Ust-Luga approach the CMP in compliance with recommendations given by the Ust-Luga VTS.
     At approaching the CMP, the vessel establishes radio contact with icebreaker of the North-Western Basin Branch on 16 and 68 VHF channel (call sign – the name of icebreaker forming convoy) and then operates in accordance with the instructions of the icebreaker’s captain. If the necessity arises, the Ust-Luga VTS, depending on vessel's location, provides aid for establishing radio contact with icebreaker.
    Under the escorting icebreaker captain’s order, vessels included in the convoy change to VHF radio channels and give information on dimensions, draft, power of main vessel engines, register class and information on loading of the vessel (vessel is light or loaded), as well as information on main engine maneuvering in manual mode possibility to the captain.

     Fueling, food and water reserves on the vessel should ensure vessel endurance no less than 14 days from the moment of vessel's approach to the CMP for proceeding to the seaport of Ust-Luga. If the vessel remains in the icebreaker assistance area for more than 14 days from the moment of vessel's approach to the CMP the captain of the seaport of Ust-Luga take urgent measures for vessel pilotage.

     Due to the real ice situation in the water area of the seaport of Ust-Luga and the technical characteristics of vessels, the vessels can procees to/from seaport of Ust-Luga  independently in accordance with the recommendations of Ust-Luga VTS. Vessels, proceeding independently must inform VTS, in the coverage area of which they navigate, about passage of control points of the recommended route and report on the ice situation on the route.
 
     For the provision of North-Western Basin Branch icebreaking services for vessels escort to / from the seaport of Ust-Luga  icebreaker dues are charged. Information about the rates of icebreaker dues in seaport of Ust-Luga can be found in section “Harbor Dues and Tariffs of the North-Western Basin Branch”.
 
     Procedure for provision of additional icebreaking services
 
      During the winter navigation, if there is a technical possibility, the North-Western Basin Branch renders additional icebreaker services for individual icebreaker pilotage of vessels moving to the seaports of Big Port St Petersburg, Vyborg, Vysotsk, Passenger Port St Petersburg, Primorsk and Ust-Luga, including the case of vessel’s failure to move to a convoy meeting point on its own or as part of an icebreaker convoy.

     The North-Western Basin Branch renders additional icebreaker services pursuant to the terms of a framework contract (hereinafter referred to as the Contract) and the Regulations on Individual Support for Vessels Provided by Icebreakers of the FSUE “Rosmorport” North-Western Basin Branch during the Winter Navigation in Russian Seaports of the Eastern Part of the Gulf of Finland established by Order No 1399 of December 31, 2015 of the North-Western Basin Branch. The services are rendered upon receipt of a written permission of the captain of the Big Port St Petersburg

     In order to make an agreement the customer shall send an application for making Contract to the North-Western Basin Branch by fax +7 (812) 327-40-23 or as a scan by e-mail mail@spb.rosmorport.ru. The application will be considered within 24 hours and upon the results of the discussions the North-Western Basin Branch shall sends a confirmation of signing the Contract to render the stated services or a motivated refusal due to technical restrictions by contacts specified in the application.

     Upon receipt of the confirmation of the possibility to render the stated services the customer shall send the documents per list necessary to sign the Contract to the North-Western Basin Branch by fax +7 (812) 327-40-23 or as a scan by e-mail mail@spb.rosmorport.ru.

     Upon receipt of the required documents in full the North-Western Basin Branch shall send two copies of the filed Contract to the customer for signing. A copy of the Contract signed by the customer should be returned to the North-Western Basin Branch at: 5 Liter Ch Mezhevoy Kanal, St Petersburg, Russia 198035.

     Additional information on the procedure for signing the Agreement can be obtained by telephone +7 (812) 380-70-33 (round-the-clock), or a request can be sent by e-mail dispetcherSPb@spb.rosmorport.ru.

 

     Pursuant to the terms of the Contract and the Regulations for Individual Pilotage the customer should obtain a written permit of the master of the seaport of Big Port St Petersburg for individual icebreaker support of a vessel.

      In order to receive the written approval by the captain of the seaport of Big Port Saint Petersburg for individual icebreaker support of vessels, the customer sends a request to the captain of the seaport of Big Port Saint Petersburg by fax: +7 (812) 327-40-50. After receiving the written approval by the captain of the seaport of Big Port Saint Petersburg, the customer gives a request to the dispatcher office of the North-Western Basin Branch by fax: +7 (812) 324-21-91 or its scan by email: dispetcherspb@spb.rosmorport.ru 24 hours before planned individual icebreaker support for a vessel. The request will be considered within two hours and if no technical restrictions are revealed to render the requested services, an icebreaker of the North-Western Basin Branch heads for the location area of the vessel. 

     Individual icebreaker support starts when the icebreaker proceeds from its location area to the vessel subject to icebreaker support. Individual icebreaker support ends when on a joint decision taken by the captain of the icebreaker and the captain of the escorted vessel the icebreaker finishes icebreaker support. The starting time and the completion time, the suspension and the continuing time, as well as all issues related to it are marked in the vessel's log of the icebreaker and the escorted vessel. The time of providing individual icebreaker support includes the time of icebreaker passage from its location area to the vessel subject to icebreaker support, the time for preparing the vessel for individual icebreaker support (scabbling, turning, tug winding up if required etc.), the time of direct icebreaker support to the location area specified in the request, the time of icebreaker moving to the area determined by the Basin Commission.
     An icebreaker captain, who determines individual support, takes a decision on means (back of the vessel hull, under tow, back of an icebreaker in the convoy of another icebreaker etc.) and the route of individual icebreaker support. 
     Individual icebreaker support can be suspended (temporarily stopped) with its following renewal:

          - to render aid to vessels, which are entrapped en route of icebreaker support, without any restrictions;

          - to render aid to vessels, which are dangerously drifting in direct proximity to reported dangers;

          - to carry out rescue operations;

          - if further work is ineffective due to the ice situation and the weather conditions, there is no progress en route of support and it is necessary to wait for favorable weather conditions or a more powerful icebreaker to continue individual icebreaker support;

          - on the instruction of the Basin Commission to carry out other works as not referenced above.
     The captain of the icebreaker can suspend (finish) individual support at the request of the captain of the escorted vessel with the respective record in the vessel's log. The stop and abandon of the vessel in this area en route of vessel support must be carried out if this does not threaten safety of the vessel, the cargo and the crew. If an icebreaker must stand in the area of vessel moorage at the request of the captain of the escorted vessel the icebreaker's actions are treated as individual icebreaker support has been provided.

     If the escorted vessel stopped to fix technical malfunctions, the icebreaker can be recalled and after malfunctions are fixed individual support will be renewed.

     Depending on the ice situation and the weather conditions in the separate section of the icebreaker support route, a decision can be taken to allow vessels to move on the recommended route by themselves with restrictions or if a convoy, including vessels with restrictions by the ice class and draft, is formed. In this case vessel support is provided on common basis.
     After the vessel escort to the destination area is ended the captain of an icebreaker sends a telegram or a fax to the dispatcher office of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” North-Western Basin Branch through “Saint Petersburg Radio-1” to report on the time of individual icebreaker support and to confirm the start, the end, the interruption period, and the renewal of individual icebreaker support.

     Based on received information the dispatcher office of the North-Western Basin Branch makes up a completion certificate of rendered services on individual icebreaker support within one working day from the date of ending individual icebreaker support. The act is signed by the customer not later than 2 (two) calendar days from the date of its receipt. On the grounds of the signed completion certificate of rendered services the North-Western Basin Branch draws up a bill and an invoice, which should be paid within 7 calendar days from the date of invoicing arrangements. 

   In case of captains' failure to provide the necessary information with confirmation of time parameters of escort within 12 hours from the end of icebreaker assistance, the confirmation shall be considered information of the icebreaker captain. On the basis of icebreaker captain's information a completion certificate of rendered services for individual icebreaker assistance is prepared, which shall be signed by the customer not later than 2 (two) calendar days from the date of its receipt. On the basis of the signed completion certificate of rendered services, the North-Western Basin Branch issues a bill and an invoice, which should be paid within 7 calendar days from the date of invoicing arrangements.

 

     Information on the North-Western Basin Branch tariffs for providing individual icebreaker support is given in the section “Harbor Dues and Tariffs of North-Western Basin Branch”.

     4. Statistics

     Information on the number of vessels called at the Russian seaports of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland that were escorted by the North-Western Basin Branch icebreakers.

Winter navigation	Number of vessels escorted by icebreakers, units
	Big Port Saint-Petersburg and Passenger Port Saint-Petersburg	Vyborg and Vysotsk	Primorsk	Ust-Luga
2009–2019 ⇲
2009-2010	956	486	933	250
2010-2011	1,033	395	895	315
2011-2012	1,120	299	730	370
2012-2013	308	232	88	22
2013-2014	344	266	100	23
2014-2015	684	220	108	1
2015-2016	628	111	23	8
2016-2017	1,362	503	322	175
2017-2018	1,219	393	193	577
2018-2019	1,241	339	152	142
2019-2020	43	–	–	–
2020-2021	1,554	352	209	195
2021-2022	3,132	550	665	2,443
2022-2023	1,291	481	267	362
2023-2024	1,076	501	289	326

      Information on the average duration of the North-Western Basin Branch icebreakers escort of vessels called at the Russian seaports of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland.

Winter navigation	Average duration of icebreaker escorts, sea miles
	Big Port Saint-Petersburg and Passenger Port Saint-Petersburg	Vyborg and Vysotsk	Primorsk	Ust-Luga
2009–2019 ⇲
2009-2010	144	75	79	73
2010-2011	165	83	88	81
2011-2012	150	76	77	73
2012-2013	120	75	75	73
2013-2014	100	75	60	50
2014-2015	67	75	22	2
2015-2016	65	75	22	5
2016-2017	67	75	23	5
2017-2018	70	75	22	7
2018-2019	50	70	22	5
2019-2020	20	–	–	–
2021-2022	60	50	30	12
2022-2023	61	48	34	18
2023-2024	62	50	32	18

     5. Contacts

     For more information on the procedure for providing icebreaker support by the North-Western Basin Branch please call the dispatcher office of the North-Western Basin Branch by phone:

     +7 (812) 380-70-33 (round-the-clock)

     or send a request by fax: +7 (812) 327-41-54 or by e-mail DispetcherSPb@spb.rosmorport.ru