Astrakhan branch's three icebreakers - Captain Bukaev, Captain Tchechkin and Captain Metsaik - are involved in icebreaking pilotage provision in water areas of Astrakhan and Olya sea ports, at the Volga Caspian Maritime Ship Canal (VCMSP) and the Caspian sea Northern part.

Obligatory icebreaking pilotage is established by the sea port of Astrakhan captain since December, 16 2012 because of the sudden air temperature pulldown (to 17 degrees below zero) and rapid ice formation.

Since the icebreaking pilotage started, 8 vessels were pilotaged to the sea. At this moment 2 convoys of 10 vessels (headed by Captain Bukaev and Captain Metsaik icebreakers) are moving to the sea port. 19 vessels are waiting for pilotage at the VCMSP.

At the VCMSP 130km-170km section the ice compacting concludes 9 points, 5-10 sm thick, the ice is drifting and hummocking. In the Northern part of Caspian sea the ice compacting concludes 10 points

Recall that in the framework of the FSUE "Rosmorport" preparation for the 2012-2013 winter navigation the enterprize established the Ice Advisers Statute. In the sea ports of Askrakhan and Olya water areas, the most experienced pilotes implement safe pilotage.