Saimaa Canal opens for cargo, passenger ships

The Saimaa Canal has opened for cargo and passenger ships on Monday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The Saimaa Canal delegates decided that the sailing season in the canal will continue until December 31.

Every year, the delegates agree on a protocol on the length of the sailing season and the date on which it will open for traffic.

The decision is made according to the Saimaa Canal lease agreement which is an international agreement approved by Parliament.

The infrastructure of the canal will be put into operation with this decision.

The decision to open the canal allows cargo and passenger ships to pass through the canal.

However, the traffic is subject to government decisions and the sanctions imposed by the EU.

For the time being, the crossing points of Haapasaari, Nuijamaa port, and Santio are closed by a government decision.

These are crossing points for pleasure craft referred to in the Schengen Borders Code.

The Saimaa Canal is 43 kilometres long. Nearly half of the canal runs through an area leased from Russia.