Estonia, Good for Business, Port, Transport

OU TS Shipping, a subsidiary of AS Tallinna Sadam, has signed a contract with the Canadian company Baffinland Iron Mines LP for the chartering of the multifunctional icebreaker Botnica for the summer period of 2018, and depending on certain conditions, also for the summer periods of 2019-2022, Tallinna Sadam said.

"Botnica has been involved in an iron ore export project in Canada's Arctic waters and as an escort and ice surveillance vessel will start rendering escort services to Panamax type cargo vessels in North Canadian waters. In addition, Botnica will carry out pollution monitoring in an ecologically very sensitive region and if needed, will provide emergency aid services," Ulo Eero, chairman of the management board of TS Shipping, said.

The icebreaker Botnica embarked on its journey to Canada already on Saturday. According to the agreement, the working period will last from July until the end of October.

Baffinland Iron Mines LP is a Canadian mining company involved in the excavation of iron ore on Baffin Island in northern Canada.

OU TS Shipping is a subsidiary fully owned by AS Tallinna Sadam and its main activities include the rendition of various services with the multifunctional icebreaker Botnica. For the winter periods, OU TS Shipping has an agreement with the Maritime Administration for the provision of icebreaking services in Estonia's coastal waters until the year 2022. Opportunities for chartering off the vessel for offshore work are sought for the summer periods.