Thu, 31 Dec, 2015 12:06:05 AM FTimes – STT Report, Dec 31 ![]() File Photo Lehtikuva. An icebreaker agreement between Finland and Russia comes into effect on January 15 as the government on Wednesday issued a decree in this regard.
The agreement allows for Finnish icebreakers to operate commercially in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland in Russia’s territorial waters.
Russian icebreakers will also assist ships in the Gulf of Finland heading toward Finnish ports.
In territorial waters, however, the activities must have permission from the authorities.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the agreement makes shipping in the Gulf of Finland more efficient during winter and improves safety during hard, icy winters.
The agreement was drawn up in the autumn of 2014 but has been waiting since for ratification.
There are thought to be intelligence risks in the agreement.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications said the contract has gone through strict considerations in terms of foreign policy.
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