Ice Breaker, FINLAND
Airing Date: May 8th, 2006
The deep rumble of the engines strengthens, the huge propellers churn the water, slowly edging the ship out of the harbour towards the icy sea - the adventure begins....it's an Icebreaker!
More than 80 per cent of Finland's foreign trade involves seaborne transport, and in winter cargo vessels rely heavily on the assistance of icebreakers to lead them safely to port. Finland has roughly 1,500 kilometres of coastline on the Baltic Sea and about 60 ports. The Baltic is virtually an inland sea. Its northernmost parts freeze over every winter and in a very hard winter it is possible for the whole sea to freeze over. Therefore, without Finland's icebreakers, much of the Baltic Sea would come to a standstill in winter.
The Sampo, the world's only tourist icebreaker, operates on the northern Gulf of Bothnia out of Kemi in Finnish Lapland. After serving for thirty years as an icebreaker in Arctic waters, the vessel has now taken on a new challenge - a place for people to begin an ice adventure. The Sampo sails from the middle of December to the end of April - these trips last four hours and the ship can also be booked entirely for private use. In Summer the Sampo offers restaurant and conference facilities.
On the open sea the ship can achieve a maximum speed of 16 knots. The 3,540 tonne vessel sails surprisingly even; ice of less than a metre thick is crushed almost immediately! On reaching the pack ice, the speed is increased and even eight metre thick ice surrenders with a crash so it's a matter of keeping hold of your drinks!
The ship's secrets are revealed on a conducted tour led by guides and crew. Visit the engine room (which will inspire a respect for the ship), stand on the bridge, and finish off on deck admiring the Arctic seascape. On the open sea the ship stops and strolls are taken on the ice; braver guests can test out ice swimming in the black water dressed in a water-tight thermal suit; odd to look at, but completely safe! All those who participate in the cruise receive as a memento of their trip a certificate of their involvement in icebreaking operations under Arctic conditions.
Further Information
Thai Airways International to Stockholm, Sweden from $1974 ex west coast and $2102 ex east coast. Includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Website: www.thaiairways.com.au
Connecting flights to Kemi from $228 one way. Includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Sampo Tours
Icebreaker cruise from $785 a person.
Hotel Cumulus Kemi from $154 a night. Includes breakfast.
MyPlanet
02 9020 5800
Website: www.myplanetaustralia.com
For more information on Finland:
Website: www.visitfinland.com
Prices correct at 8/5/06
