Saimaa Canal sailing season ends earlier than schedule

The Saimaa Canal sailing season ended on Wednesday, said the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The Saimaa Canal delegates decided to end the sailing season in the canal earlier than the previously agreed schedule because there was no vessel traffic in the canal.

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

This year, the season was agreed to last from June 24 to December 31, 2024.

The decision on the length of the sailing season is made according to the Saimaa Canal lease agreement adopted by Parliament.

Following the decision to end the season, no cargo or passenger vessels will pass through the canal.

During the sailing season, the traffic is subject to government decisions and the sanctions imposed by the EU.

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

The Saimaa Canal opened for cargo and passenger ships on June 24.