Winter navigation in the Baltic has an outstanding importance for the Finnish economy. Over 90% of Finnish imports and exports travel by sea, making Finland virtually an island.
After the 1971 decision that all major Finnish ports (25) should be kept open through the winter, it was decided in 2003 to use radar satellite imagery to replace the helicopters that were previously used onboard icebreakers for guidance.
Whilst helicopters provide an instant view, they have their disadvantages: conditions may change under bad weather and they may not be able to fly. Radar satellite imagery on the other hand provides a synoptic view and works at all weather conditions day and night.
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