{{short description|Estonian multipurpose icebreaker}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = Botnica moored at quay 17 in Port of Tallinn 24 May 2023.jpg | image_caption = ''Botnica'' moored in Old City Harbour in 2023. }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | country = Finland | flag = {{shipboxflag|Finland}} | name = ''Botnica'' | namesake = | owner = *Finnish Maritime Administration (1998–2004) *Finstaship (2004–2010) *Arctia Offshore (2010–2012)<ref name="dnv" /> | operator = | registry = Helsinki, {{FIN}}<ref name="dnv" /> | route = | ordered = February 1997<ref name="kauppalehti1997" /> | awarded = | builder = Finnyards Ltd., Rauma, Finland<ref name="dnv" /> | original_cost = FIM 303 million<ref name="kauppalehti1997" /> | yard_number = 421<ref name="dnv" /> | way_number = | laid_down = 2 September 1997<ref name="dnv" /> | launched = 20 February 1998<ref name="dnv" /> | sponsor = | christened = | completed = 1 June 1998<ref name="dnv" /> | acquired = | in_service = 1998–2012 | identification = *Call sign: OJAK<ref name="dnv" /> *{{IMO Number|9165877}}<ref name="dnv" /> *{{MMSI Number|230904000}}<ref name="arctiadata" /> | fate = Sold to Estonia in 2012 | status = | notes = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = title | country = Estonia | flag = {{shipboxflag|Estonia|government}} | name = | namesake = | owner = Port of Tallinn (2012–)<ref name="myynti" /> | operator = TS Shipping | registry = Tallinn, {{EST}} | acquired = 28 November 2012<ref name="tsee">[http://www.ts.ee/uudised?&art=287 Jäälõhkujal MSV Botnica heisati Eesti lipp]. Tallinna Sadam, 29 November 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2012</ref> | identification = *Call sign: ESJV *{{IMO Number|9165877}}<ref name="dnv" /> *{{MMSI|276805000}} | fate = | status = In service | notes = }}
|section4={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | class = | type = Icebreaker, Offshore support vessel | tonnage = *{{GT|6,370}} *{{NetT|1,911}} *{{DWT|2,890}} (offshore) | displacement = | length = {{convert|96.70|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|24.00|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} | height = | draught = *{{convert|7.20|-|7.80|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} (icebreaker)<ref name="vapalahti">Vapalahti, H. Finnish illustrated List of Ships 1999. Judicor Oy, 1999.</ref> *{{convert|8.50|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} (offshore) | draft = | depth = {{convert|11.70|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} | hold_depth = | decks = | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = DNV ICE-10 Icebreaker | power = 12 × Caterpillar 3512B DITA (12 × 1,258 kW) | propulsion = *2 × ABB Azipod VI1600A (2 × 5 MW)<ref name="abb_reflist">[https://library.e.abb.com/public/98a7ddd74d7ecb3bc1257b09004c14ab/ABB%20Propulsion%20Products%20reference%20list%202013.pdf References - Propulsion Products]. ABB. {{retrieved|accessdate=28 May 2015}}</ref> *3 × Brunvoll bow thrusters (3 × 1,150 kW) | speed = *{{convert|16.5|kn}} (max) *{{convert|12|kn}} (service) *{{convert|8|kn}} in {{convert|80|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} ice | range = | endurance = | test_depth = | boats = | capacity = | complement = | crew = *19 (winter) *23 (summer)<ref name="voelker" /> *Accommodation for 72 personnel | time_to_activate = | sensors = | aircraft = | aircraft_facilities = Helipad | notes = }} }}
'''MSV ''Botnica''''' is a multipurpose offshore support vessel and icebreaker built by Finnyards in Rauma, Finland in 1998. She was the newest and technically most advanced state-owned icebreaker of Finland until 2012, when she was sold to the Port of Tallinn, Estonia for 50 million euro.<ref name="myynti" /> ''Botnica'' is used as an escort icebreaker in the Baltic Sea during the winter months and it carries out subsea and offshore construction works worldwide during the open water season.
== Design ==
=== General characteristics ===
The maximum overall length of ''Botnica'' is {{convert|96.70|m|ft|1|abbr=out}} and her length between perpendiculars is {{convert|77.51|m|ft|1|abbr=out}}. The hull has a moulded breadth of {{convert|24|m|ft|1|abbr=out}} and depth of {{convert|11.7|m|ft|1|abbr=out}}. The draught is {{convert|7.20|to|7.80|m|ft|1|abbr=out}} when the ship is acting as an icebreaker and {{convert|8.50|m|ft|1|abbr=out}} in offshore supply operations. The gross tonnage of ''Botnica'' is 6,370, net tonnage 1,911 and deadweight tonnage 2,890 tons.<ref name="dnv">{{csr|register=DNV|id=19920|shipname=Botnica|accessdate=26 October 2012}}</ref> The light displacement of ''Botnica'', i.e. the weight of the ship without consumables, cargo and crew, is 5,880 tons. Her loaded displacement varies according to the loading condition.<ref name="arctiadata">[http://www.arctia.fi/files/BOTNICA.pdf Vessel specification: Botnica] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030191832/http://www.arctia.fi/files/BOTNICA.pdf |date=30 October 2011 }}. Arctia Shipping. Retrieved 22 October 2011</ref><ref name="arctiatek">[http://www.arctia.fi/botnica_tekniset_tiedot Tekniset tiedot] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328112727/http://www.arctia.fi/botnica_tekniset_tiedot |date=28 March 2012 }}. Arctia Oy. Retrieved 3 August 2011</ref>
''Botnica'' is classified by Det Norske Veritas with a class notation ''{{DNV-supervised-construction}}1A1 ICE-10 Icebreaker SF HELDK RPS E0 DYNPOS-AUTRO DK(+) HL(1.8)''.<ref name="dnv" /> Her ice class, ''ICE-10 Icebreaker'', means that she is designed to break ice up to {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=out}} thick without limitations to ramming.<ref name="dnvrules">[http://exchange.dnv.com/publishing/RulesShip/2005-07/ts501.pdf Ships for navigation in ice, Pt.5 Ch.1 Sec.4 A303] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325024133/http://exchange.dnv.com/publishing/RulesShip/2005-07/ts501.pdf |date=25 March 2012 }}. Det Norske Veritas, January 2005.</ref> To improve the ship's maneuverability in ice her hull is wider at the bow than in the stern. These "reamers" increase the width of the ice channel and reduce friction between the hull and ice.<ref name="voelker" /> The reamers are designed so that they create minimum additional resistance in the astern mode by breaking ice downwards.<ref name="Soininen_et_al">Soininen, H., Nyman, T., Riska, K., Lohi, P., & Harjula, A. (1993). The ice capability of the multipurpose icebreaker "Fennica" - Full scale results. In POAC 93 - The 12th International Conference on Port and Ocean Engineering under Arctic Conditions: Proceedings Volume 1 (pp. 259-271). POAC Proceedings.</ref> In addition the hull has an explosion-welded stainless steel ice belt that reduces friction and protects the steel plates from abrasion at the waterline. The hull is coated with low-friction Inerta 160 epoxy paint.<ref name="voelker" />
The ship's design, with the maximum breadth in the foreship and a narrower hull aftship, provides this multipurpose vessel with good seakeeping characteristics.<ref name="Soininen_et_al" /> Traditionally icebreakers have had, due to their broad beam and relatively shallow hull, a very short roll period in waves, which makes working on board the vessel extremely difficult due to its violent motions.<ref name="Tellefsen_Hagelstam">Tellefsen, T., Hagelstam, L. (1993). Development of multipurpose icebreaker and offshore construction vessel. In POAC 93 - The 12th International Conference on Port and Ocean Engineering under Arctic Conditions: Proceedings Volume 1 (pp. 280-289). POAC Proceedings.</ref> The solution with narrow breadth in the aftship results in a sufficiently long roll period. At the midship and aft ship area there are also exceptionally wide bilge shelves as an integral part of the hull, to further dampen the rolling.<ref name="Soininen_et_al" />
Overall, the design provides the vessel with excellent icebreaking capability combined with the necessary stability, seaworthiness and low motions for offshore work.<ref name="WÄRTSILÄ Encyclopedia of Marine and Energy Technology">[https://www.wartsila.com/encyclopedia/term/icebreaker-offshore-vessel-botnica WÄRTSILÄ Encyclopedia of Marine and Energy Technology | Icebreaker/offshore vessel BOTNICA]. Retrieved 23 November 2021</ref>
For offshore construction projects ''Botnica'' was built with a 160-ton Hydralift ASA crane, but it was replaced in 2010 with a 150-ton MacGregor crane with active heave compensation. The vessel can also be equipped with an optional 120-ton A-frame. The {{convert|1000|sqm|sqft|0|abbr=out|adj=on}} aft deck can be used for various purposes and the ship has a {{convert|6.5|x|6.5|m|ft|adj=on}} moon pool for underwater operations.<ref name="arctiadata" /> In addition the ship has a helipad and accommodation for 45–47 workers in addition to the ship's crew, which is increased from 19 to 23 during the summer season.<ref name="voelker" /><ref name="arctia">[http://www.arctia.fi/msv_botnica MSV Botnica] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328112733/http://www.arctia.fi/msv_botnica |date=28 March 2012 }}. Arctia Oy. Retrieved 3 August 2011</ref> Since ''Botnica'' acts as an escort icebreaker during the winter season, she is also equipped with a 210-ton Aquamaster-Rauma towing winch and stern notch for assisting merchant ships.<ref name="smu">[http://www.smu.fi/viestinta/nettijutut/jaita-sarjetaan-koko-murtajakalu/monitoimimurtaja-botnica-on-avus/ Monitoimimurtaja Botnica on avustanut jo kymmeniä aluksia jäistä] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405001907/http://www.smu.fi/viestinta/nettijutut/jaita-sarjetaan-koko-murtajakalu/monitoimimurtaja-botnica-on-avus/ |date=5 April 2012 }}. Suomen Merimies-Unioni SMU ry. Retrieved 16 October 2011</ref> The oblique bridge maximizes visibility from the starboard side steering position.<ref name="voelker" />
=== Power and propulsion ===
''Botnica'' is powered by six engine-generator-engine sets consisting of twelve {{convert|51.8|L|cuin|abbr=off|adj=on}} Caterpillar 3512B V12 high-speed diesel engines, each with an output of {{convert|1,258|kW|hp|abbr=on}}, driving six ABB generators. The ship was originally designed for six bigger Wärtsilä generating sets, but the lower initial acquisition cost of the Caterpillars resulted in the very unusual engine arrangement.<ref name="voelker" /> While having a large number of smaller engines increases the flexibility and efficiency of the power system — engines can be started and stopped on demand and the running engines operate at maximum efficiency — the main engines of ''Botnica'' require considerably more maintenance hours in comparison to ships with fewer generating sets.<ref name="voelker" /> The fuel consumption of the main engines at maximum draught is 50 tons of marine diesel oil (MDO) per day at full power, 25 tons at a service speed of {{convert|12|kn}}, 10–15 tons during dynamic positioning and 4 tons at port.<ref name="arctiadata" />
Designed according to the power plant principle in which the main engines produce power for all shipboard consumers, ''Botnica'' has no separate auxiliary generators. However, there is a smaller six-cylinder Caterpillar 3406 as an emergency diesel generator with an output of {{convert|230|kW|hp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="arctiadata" />
''Botnica'' was one of the first icebreakers to be equipped with Azipod propulsion, ABB's brand of electric azimuth thrusters developed in Finland. The two 5 MW Azipod VI1600A units considerably improve the maneuverability of the icebreaker — the tactical diameter of the turning circle in open water is less than the overall length of the ship. This is especially useful during escort and assistance operations in difficult ice conditions when the icebreaker has to operate at close proximity to other vessels at low speeds. Together with three 1,150-kW Brunvoll FU-80-LTC-2000 variable-pitch bow thrusters the azimuth thrusters also allow dynamic positioning during offshore operations.<ref name="dnv" /> The bow thrusters are not used in ice.<ref name="voelker" />
The maximum speed of ''Botnica'' is {{convert|16.5|kn}} in open water and she can maintain a speed of {{convert|8|kn}} in {{convert|80|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} ice. The maximum ice thickness in which the vessel is capable of maintaining constant speed is {{convert|1.2|m|in|0|abbr=on}}. Her bollard pull is 117 tons.<ref name="arctiadata" />
== History ==
=== Development and construction ===
The development of the Finnish multipurpose icebreakers began in the mid-1980s when the Finnish National Board of Navigation launched a project to find secondary uses for the new vessels it was planning to build as a replacement for some of the oldest icebreakers. Until then the Finnish icebreakers had been designed solely for escort operations in ice-infested waters and their specialized hull form was not suitable for open water. As a result, the existing icebreakers had an effective operational time of only three to five months per year and spent the summer season moored at Katajanokka in Helsinki. A multipurpose application of the new icebreakers would thus result in a better utilization of the vessels and, assuming they were chartered by a commercial third party during the summer, improve the economics of the state-owned fleet.<ref name="tellefsen">Tellefsen, T.P. Development of multipurpose icebreaker and offshore construction vessel. Design and Operation of Ships and Offshore Structures - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference Vol 1, pp. 221-231. WIT Press, 1993.</ref><ref name="lohi">Lohi, P. Multipurpose icebreakers for the Finnish National Board of Navigation. Design and Operation of Ships and Offshore Structures - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference Vol 1, pp. 233-240. WIT Press, 1993.</ref>
However, the concept did not become reality until the early 1990s, when the Norwegian company Ugland Offshore AS (later DSND Offshore AS) became involved in the project to develop and construct multipurpose icebreakers that could be used for offshore operations in the oil fields during the summer months. The concept was developed by the Board of Navigation together with a Finnish consulting engineering company ILS and the contract for the construction of the first vessel with an option for a sister ship was signed with Finnyards in October 1991. The second vessel was ordered in June 1992.<ref name="gaz">Sjöström, P-E. [http://www.shipgaz.com/old/magazine/issues/2006/12/1206_locked_article1.php From the North Sea to the Arctic: Finstaship combines icebreaking and offshore] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419115358/http://www.shipgaz.com/old/magazine/issues/2006/12/1206_locked_article1.php |date=19 April 2012 }}. Scandinavian Shipping Gazette, 18 October 2006. Retrieved 11 October 2011</ref> The {{convert|116|m|ft|adj=on}} ships had large open aft decks similar to platform supply vessels and their two 7,500 kW diesel-electric Aquamaster Z-drive azimuth thrusters provided dynamic positioning capability. The first Finnish multipurpose icebreaker, ''Fennica'', was delivered in 1993 and her sister ship, ''Nordica'', in the following year.<ref name="tellefsen" /><ref name="lohi" />
The third multipurpose icebreaker ''Botnica'' was designed mainly for Gulf of Finland escort icebreaking. Its summer tasks were planned in cooperation with DSND Offshore AS, and the discussion led to the conclusion that this type of vessel could be used as a cost-effective alternative to semi-submersible platforms for North Sea operators. The new light well intervention and slim hole drilling tasks brought in extra safety requirements, including explosion proof main deck arrangement and A-class bulkhead against deckhouse and lifesaving equipment because of a blow out risk. The vessel was designed into highest redundant DP class, with also machinery, thruster and DP control rooms divided into two independent spaces. A moon pool was designed in the vessel already in an earlier stage of the design, and among needed special equipment was e.g. a removable derrick. Other summer period offshore tasks included e.g. ROV support, hoisting of umbilicals, and offshore construction tasks.<ref name="Harjula_et_al">Harjula, A., Siirilä, T.K., Eronen, H., Lohi, P. (1999). Multipurpose icebreaker MSV Botnica, basic design aspects. In POAC 99 - The 15th International Conference on Port and Ocean Engineering under Arctic Conditions. Proceedings, vol.2, pp.568-577.</ref>
In February 1997 the Finnish National Board of Navigation signed a contract worth FIM 303 million with Finnyards for the construction of a new multipurpose icebreaker. While initially only FIM 280 million was reserved for the new icebreaker, this was later increased by FIM 23 million as the planned vessel proved to be more expensive than expected. While an open call for bids was arranged by the Board of Navigation as dictated by the European Union rules, only Finnyards and Kværner Masa-Yards, another Finnish shipyard, sent in their tenders, and Finnyards won the contract because of shorter delivery time. The new multipurpose icebreaker was to be delivered in March–April 1998.<ref name="kauppalehti1997">[http://www.kauppalehti.fi/5/i/talous/uutiset/avoinarkisto/trindex.jsp?xid=19855&date=1997/02/07 Finnyards sai jäänmurtajatilauksen] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330100316/http://www.kauppalehti.fi/5/i/talous/uutiset/avoinarkisto/trindex.jsp?xid=19855&date=1997%2F02%2F07 |date=30 March 2012 }}. Kauppalehti, 7 February 1997. Retrieved 10 October 2011</ref> Also designed by ILS, the new vessel resembles the older Finnish multipurpose icebreakers, but is slightly smaller, less powerful and has open-propeller Azipod units instead of Aquamasters with ducted propellers as the latter had proved to be problematic in ice.<ref name="voelker" /><ref name="ils">[http://www.ils.fi/offshore.html Offshore & Icebreaking] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927144121/http://www.ils.fi/offshore.html |date=27 September 2011 }}. ILS Oy. Retrieved 7 October 2011</ref>
The new multipurpose icebreaker was given the name ''Botnica'' and delivered to the Finnish National Board of Navigation in June 1998, slightly late of the original schedule.<ref name="dnv" /> Until the recent delivery of the new icebreaker/tug ''Ahto'', ''Botnica'' was the newest icebreaker to be commissioned in Finland.
=== Career ===
==== Finland (1998–2012) ==== thumb|left|''Botnica'' in Finnish service in 2007.
Like the older Finnish multipurpose icebreakers, ''Botnica'' was chartered to DSND Offshore AS for 180 days per year, while in the winter months she was employed as a traditional escort icebreaker in the Baltic Sea. Once icebreaker assistance was no longer needed, the offshore construction equipment was re-installed and the vessel left the Baltic Sea for the summer season. In 2002 Halliburton Offshore and DSND combined their resources and the charter of the multipurpose icebreakers was transferred to the new company, Subsea 7.<ref name="gaz" /> Until 2004 the company had the exclusive rights to charter the Finnish multipurpose icebreakers.<ref name="mot2">[http://ohjelmat.yle.fi/mot/arkisto/mot_italialaista_jaanmurtoa 15.11.2010 MOT: Italialaista jäänmurtoa, toimittaja Magnus Berglund]. YLE, 15.11.2010. {{Retrieved | accessdate=2011-08-03}}</ref>
Following the reorganization of the Finnish Maritime Administration in 2004 the ownership and management of the state-owned vessels was transferred to a newly founded state-owned enterprise, Finstaship. Later a separate company, GDV Maritime AS, was established together with Norwegian partners to handle the global marketing of the Finnish multipurpose icebreakers.<ref name="gaz" /> Finstaship's share of the new company was 34%. In 2005 ''Botnica'' was chartered to TSMarine for offshore operations in the North Sea. The contract specified that the vessel would spend "at least" 560 days in offshore operations between 2005 and 2007.<ref name="tsmarine">[http://www.oilpubs.com/oso/article.asp?v1=298 Finstaship charters out multipurpose icebreaker to TSMarine]. Offshore Shipping Online, 22 July 2005. Retrieved 16 October 2011</ref> Later she also received charters from other companies, but the particularly poor season in 2008–2009 left ''Botnica'' laid up for months and forced Finstaship to reduce costs and even consider laying off some employees.<ref name="ts2009">[http://www.ts.fi/talous/?ts=1,3:1004:0:0,4:4:0:1:2009-02-07,104:4:592095,1:0:0:0:0:0 Murtajien seisottaminen johti yt-neuvotteluihin Finstashipissä]{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Turun Sanomat, 7 February 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2011</ref> She was also not used for icebreaking during the particularly mild winters in the late 2000s.<ref name="mot2" />
In 2010, Arctia Shipping Oy, a state-owned limited company, took over the operations of Finstaship. The ownership and management of the Finnish multipurpose icebreakers was transferred to a subsidiary company, Arctia Offshore Oy.<ref name="arctialyhyesti">[http://www.arctia.fi/arctia_oy_lyhyesti Arktisten olosuhteiden erikoisosaaja] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028053909/http://www.arctia.fi/arctia_oy_lyhyesti |date=28 October 2011 }}. Arctia Shipping Oy. Retrieved 16 October 2011</ref> ''Botnica'' was not contracted for icebreaking during the winter season of 2010,<ref name="vuosikertomus2010">[http://www.arctia.fi/files/Vuosikertomus%202010.pdf Vuosikertomus 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509052358/http://www.arctia.fi/files/Vuosikertomus%202010.pdf |date=9 May 2012 }}. Arctia Shipping Oy. Retrieved 16 October 2011</ref> and having been left without a charter for offshore work, she was laid up in Trieste, Italy.<ref name="mot_käsikirjoitus" /> While during the particularly harsh winter of 2011 ''Botnica'' was again employed as an icebreaker in the Baltic Sea, her icebreaking contract was not renewed for the 2012 season — instead the Finnish Transport Agency decided to charter ''Zeus'', a small icebreaking anchor handling tug supply vessel (AHTS) owned by the Finnish towing and salvage company Alfons Håkans, until 2016. The agency also entered a similar agreement with a large Swedish icebreaker.<ref name="smu2">[http://www.smu.fi/viestinta/uutiset/?x2383354=2622547 Liikennevirasto teki jäänmurtosopimuksia – monitoimimurtaja Botnica jäi ilman sopimusta] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405001924/http://www.smu.fi/viestinta/uutiset/?x2383354=2622547 |date=5 April 2012 }}. Suomen Merimies-Unioni SMU ry, 31 October 2011. Retrieved 5 November 2011</ref><ref name="fta">[http://portal.liikennevirasto.fi/sivu/www/e/news/2011/111028_icebreakers The Finnish Transport Agency to sign agreement for four more icebreakers in addition to the five icebreakers already employed, to ensure smooth winter navigation]. Finnish Transport Agency, 28 October 2011. Retrieved 5 November 2011</ref>
==== Estonia (2012–present) ====
On 24 October 2012, the Port of Tallinn purchased ''Botnica'' for 50 million euro to replace the 1963-built ''Tarmo''. According to Arctia Shipping, the newest state-owned icebreaker was sold because the company has been unable to find profitable long-term charters for the multipurpose vessel.<ref name="myynti">[http://www.hs.fi/talous/Botnica-j%C3%A4%C3%A4nmurtaja+myytiin+Viroon+50+miljoonalla/a1305609466120 Botnica-jäänmurtaja myytiin Viroon 50 miljoonalla] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026093923/http://www.hs.fi/talous/Botnica-j%C3%A4%C3%A4nmurtaja+myytiin+Viroon+50+miljoonalla/a1305609466120 |date=26 October 2012 }}. Helsingin Sanomat, 24 October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2012</ref> ''Botnica'' changed her port of registry to Estonia on 28 November 2012.<ref name="tsee" /><ref name="arctiamyynti">[https://archive.today/20130213071347/http://www.arctia.fi/arctia_myy_botnican_viroon Arctia myy jäänmurtaja Botnican Viroon]. Arctia Shipping, 24 October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2012</ref> ''Botnica'' has been contracted to provide icebreaking services in the Gulf of Finland until 20 April 2032.<ref>{{citation|last=Vapalahti|first=Hannu|title=Pitkä sopimus Botnicalle|language=fi|newspaper=Laivalehti Tornator|volume=169|year=2021|issue=2|page=13}}</ref>
The operator of ''Botnica'' is TS Shipping Ltd. ''Botnica'' is operated as a multipurpose icebreaker.<ref name="ts6">[https://www.ts-shipping.com/about-us/?lang=en TS Shipping | About us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124103710/https://www.ts-shipping.com/about-us/?lang=en |date=24 November 2021 }}.Retrieved 24 November 2021</ref> In 2013 ''Botnica'' was involved in air diving works in the North Sea renewables sector, and in 2014 it was supporting a drilling campaign in Kara Sea conducting ice management, accommodation, and ROV duties.<ref name="ts7">[https://www.ts-shipping.com/references/?lang=en TS Shipping | References] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124103741/https://www.ts-shipping.com/references/?lang=en |date=24 November 2021 }}.Retrieved 24 November 2021</ref>
In 2018, ''Botnica'' was chartered to Baffinland Iron Mines to support iron ore shipments from Milne Inlet by escorting Panamax type bulk carriers and providing ice monitoring, pollution monitoring, and emergency services between July and end of October each year.<ref name="ts2">{{cite web|url=http://www.ts.ee/en/mpsv-botnicas-10-year-icebreaking-service-to-the-transport-administration|title=MPSV Botnica's 10-year icebreaking service to the Transport Administration|website=Port of Tallinn|date=3 February 2021|accessdate=21 September 2023}}</ref> The contract had an option for summers 2019–2022, all of which were utilized.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=ba607e83a2886a5bb835f2173521c19ba&lang=en|title=Icebreaker Botnica charter in summer 2022|date=7 January 2022|publisher=Tallinna Sadam|accessdate=7 January 2022}}</ref><ref name=BalticCourse2018-07-04/><ref name=Globenewswire2018-07-04/> During the 2021 season, ''Botnica'' also supported various surface and underwater surveys.<ref name="ts3">{{cite web|url=https://www.ts.ee/en/icebreaker-botnica-returned-to-estonia-from-the-canadian-arctic|title=Icebreaker Botnica returned to Estonia from the Canadian Arctic|date=18 November 2021|website=Port of Tallinn|accessdate=21 September 2023}}</ref> In December 2023, Baffinland Iron Mines called options to extend the five-year framework agreement to cover the 2023 shipping season and to shorten the charter.<ref name="GlobeNewswire2023-02-15">{{cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/02/15/2608771/0/en/Icebreaker-Botnica-charter-in-summer-2023.html|title=Icebreaker Botnica charter in summer 2023|website=GlobeNewswire|date=15 February 2023|accessdate=21 September 2023}}</ref>
In June 2023, ''Botnica'' was chartered by Equinor for 40 days with a 10-day extension option to support offshore wind farm maintenance work in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/icebreaker-botnica-lines-summer-work-505144|title= Icebreaker Botnica Lines Up Summer Work with Equinor|publisher=MarineLink|date=16 May 2023|accessdate=21 September 2023}}</ref> However, due to technical challenges the charter was terminated prematurely on 3 July.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/07/06/2700383/0/en/Changes-in-the-2023-additional-summer-work-of-the-icebreaker-Botnica.html|title=Changes in the 2023 additional summer work of the icebreaker Botnica|website=GlobeNewswire|date=6 July 2023|accessdate=21 September 2023}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, BP chartered ''Botnica'' as a service operation vessel for the company's normally unmanned installation at the Mungo field from 7 August until 3 September. Afterwards, ''Botnica'' departed for Canada for the rest of the summer season.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/08/14/2724078/0/en/Icebreaker-Botnica-additional-summer-work-for-2023.html|title=Icebreaker Botnica additional summer work for 2023|website=GlobeNewswire|date=14 August 2023|accessdate=21 September 2023}}</ref>
In 2024, ''Botnica'' will be again chartered by BP from May to July with option to extend the charter until 5 August.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inderes.fi/releases/icebreaker-botnica-summer-charter-contract-with-bp-for-2024|title=Icebreaker Botnica summer charter contract with BP for 2024|website=Inderes|date=11 April 2024|accessdate=17 April 2024}}</ref> The charter with Baffinland has also been extended to cover the period between 2024 and 2028 with minimum 60-day charter period from September until December each year.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/04/17/2864566/0/en/Icebreaker-Botnica-summer-charter-contract-with-Baffinland-for-2024-2028.html|title=Icebreaker Botnica summer charter contract with Baffinland for 2024-2028|website=GlobeNewswire|date=17 April 2024|accessdate=17 April 2024}}</ref> However, in February 2025 Baffinland decided to waive the call option for the 2025 season as the mining company will focus on developing the Steensby Inlet railway project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/21/3030225/0/en/Icebreaker-Botnica-charter-agreement-with-Baffinland.html|title=Icebreaker Botnica charter agreement with Baffinland|website=GlobeNewswire|date=21 February 2025|accessdate=21 February 2025}}</ref> The call option for the 2026 season was waived for the same reason in January 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inderes.fi/releases/icebreaker-botnica-charter-agreement-with-baffinland-1|title=Icebreaker Botnica charter agreement with Baffinland|date=23 January 2026|accessdate=24 January 2026|website=Inderes}}</ref>
In September 2025, ''Botnica'' was chartered by Atlantic Towing to support the salvage operation of the Dutch-flagged freighter ''Thamesborg'' that ran aground on the Northwest Passage on 6 September.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/11/3148565/0/en/Additional-work-of-the-icebreaker-Botnica.html|title=Additional work of the icebreaker Botnica|website=GlobeNewswire|date=11 September 2025|accessdate=11 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cabinradio.ca/260610/news/travel/coast-guard-approves-thamesborg-northwest-passage-salvage-plan/|title=Coast guard approves Thamesborg Northwest Passage salvage plan|website=Cabin Radio|date=27 September 2025|accessdate=28 September 2025}}</ref>
In the summer of 2026, ''Botnica'' will be chartered by Offshore-Tech Sweden to support diving operations in the North Sea for up to 26 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/04/27/3281657/0/en/ts-shipping-s-icebreaker-botnica-chartered-in-the-north-sea.html|title=TS Shipping's icebreaker Botnica chartered in the North Sea|website=GlobeNewswire|date=27 April 2026|accessdate=27 April 2026}}</ref>
=== Controversies ===
In the early 2000s the managing director Kyösti Vesterinen and several other high-ranking members of the Finnish Maritime Administration were caught in a bribery scandal when it was found out that DSND Offshore, the charterer of the Finnish multipurpose icebreakers, had offered them several private trips around the world. At the same time the offshore company, which had failed to make payments for the charters in time, was forgiven 153,000 euros of penalty interests. As a result, Vesterinen and two other officials were found guilty for corruption and as a result lost their positions, were given suspended sentences of four to ten months and had to pay back the unlawfully obtained benefits.<ref name="lahjus1">[http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa.shtml/2002/06/118391/merenkulkulaitoksen-lahjussyytteet-julki Merenkulkulaitoksen lahjussyytteet julki]. MTV3, 18 June 2002. Retrieved 21 October 2011</ref><ref name="lahjus2">[http://www.mtv3.fi/uutiset/kotimaa.shtml/2004/06/301376/merenkulkulaitoksen-lahjustuomiot-jaavat-voimaan Merenkulkulaitoksen lahjustuomiot jäävät voimaan]. MTV3, 3 June 2004. Retrieved 21 October 2011</ref><ref name="lahjus3">[http://www.taloussanomat.fi/arkisto/2003/08/30/merenkulkulaitoksen-johtajille-ehdollista/200324117/12 Merenkulkulaitoksen johtajille ehdollista]. Taloussanomat, 29 August 2003. Retrieved 21 October 2011</ref> The incident ended the co-operation between DSND and the Finnish Maritime Administration and left many people suspicious about the profitability of the multipurpose icebreakers.<ref name="mot2" />
In December 2003 the Finnish-Swedish ice class of ''Botnica'' was unexpectedly downgraded from 1A Super to III, the lowest possible ice class, which is mainly used for barges and other vessels unsuitable for navigation in ice. Since the icebreaker is built to DNV's ICE-10 ice class, which far exceeds the requirements for the highest Finnish-Swedish ice class, this was not due to any technical or structural issue, but a problem with the ship's paperwork. ''Botnica'' operates at different draughts depending on her mission, and when returning to Finland from abroad her true main dimensions were found out to be different from those stated in the ship's documentation. As a result, the maritime inspector of the Finnish Maritime Administration had no other choice but to downgrade the ship's ice classification to the lowest possible ice class. The missing documents were delivered and the correct ice class was restored shortly afterwards.<ref name="hs2003">[http://www2.hs.fi/english/archive/news.asp?id=20031218IE6 Icebreaker Botnica unexpectedly classified among ships unfit for service in ice conditions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524050557/http://www2.hs.fi/english/archive/news.asp?id=20031218IE6 |date=24 May 2012 }}. Helsingin Sanomat, 18 December 2003. Retrieved 7 October 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.parliament.fi/faktatmp/utatmp/akxtmp/kk_670_2003_p.shtml Kirjallinen kysymys 670/2003 vp]. Antero Kekkonen/sd, 19 December 2003. Retrieved 7 October 2011</ref>
After ''Botnica'' had been purchased by the Port of Tallinn, the Estonian state-owned company became the center of a bribery scandal involving the company's top executives. In February 2016, the parliamentary committee of investigation decided to open a criminal case after suspecting that the evaluation of the Finnish icebreaker prior to acquisition had been incorrect and biased, and as a result, the Port of Tallinn purchased the vessel for 50 million euro while a more realistic price for the 14-year-old icebreaker would have been 30 to 35 million euro.<ref>[http://www.baltic-course.com/eng2/transport/?doc=116986 Port of Tallinn corruption risks panel wants inquiry into purchase of icebreaker]. The Baltic Course, 19 February 2016. {{retrieved|accessdate=27 February 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://majandus24.postimees.ee/3588795/uurimiskomisjon-soovib-kriminaalasja-algatamist-tallinna-sadam-maksis-botnica-eest-liiga-palju Uurimiskomisjon soovib kriminaalasja algatamist: Tallinna Sadam maksis Botnica eest liiga palju]. Postimees, 18 February 2016. {{retrieved|accessdate=27 February 2016}}</ref>
== Criticism ==
Although the crews have been generally satisfied with the vessels' operational capabilities,<ref>{{citation|first=Seppo|last=Honkanen|title=Varta vasten Suomenlahden talveen ja Pohjanmeren kesätöihin suunniteltu Botnica on miehistön mielestä onnistunut kompromissi|work=Kymen Sanomat|date=14 March 1999}}</ref><ref name="sm_1997">{{citation|title=Sekä jäissä että avovedessä - monitoimimurtajat täyttävät paikkansa|work=Suomen Merenkulku|issue=1|year=1997|pages=6–9}}</ref><ref>{{citation|first=Elina|last=Abrahamsson|year=1994|title=Uudet murtajat uusissa töissä. Suomalaista osaamista Pohjanmerellä.|work=Vapaavahti|issue=5|page=9}}</ref> the multipurpose icebreakers have also been perceived as compromise designs due to the conflicting requirements of icebreaking and offshore operations.<ref name="il_20150401">{{cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/uutiset/a/2015040119455673|title=Kekkosen tyräyksestä Suomi kärsii yhä|language=fi|date=1 April 2015|accessdate=4 February 2020|publisher=Iltalehti}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-10517756|title=Arktinen löytöretki – näin Suomen valtion jäänmurtajat löysivät ja kadottivat kansainvälisen bisneksen|language=fi|publisher=YLE|date=21 November 2018|accessdate=24 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="kääriä2010">{{citation|url=https://lutpub.lut.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/67053/nbnfi-fe201101311163.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y|title=Jäänmurtopalveluiden kilpailutus palvelua tarjoavan yrityksen näkökulmasta|language=fi|first=Markus|last=Kääriä|publisher=Lappeenrannan Teknillinen Yliopisto|year=2010|page=20|accessdate=24 November 2021}}</ref> The vessels have been criticized for their lower icebreaking capability and ability to operate in the Bothnian Bay ice conditions characterized by heavy ridging when compared to traditional icebreakers built in the 1970s.<ref name="silen_2013">{{citation|url=https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/54679/Silen_Iivari.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|title=Talvimerenkulun ympäristötietopalvelut - Tarjonta ja tarvekartoitus laivan näkökulmasta|language=fi|publisher=Satakunnan Ammattikorkeakoulu|last=Silén|first=Iivari|year=2013|page=19|accessdate=24 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="ls_20160928">{{cite web|url=https://ls24.fi/artikkelit/j-slash-m-polariksen-hankintaideologiat|title=J/M Polariksen hankintaideologiat|language=fi|publisher=Länsi-Suomi|date=28 September 2016|accessdate=4 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="valtioneuvosto2002">{{citation|url=https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/78376/1_35_2002.pdf|title=Raportti 20.6.2002|publisher=Valtioneuvosto|date=20 June 2002|accessdate=6 January 2022|page=5|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106101558/https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/78376/1_35_2002.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Designed primarily for icebreaking operations in the Gulf of Finland, ''Botnica'' has been described as "underpowered" by her crew because she is as wide as the older Finnish icebreakers but has only two thirds of the propulsion power.<ref name="voelker">{{citation|url=https://www.unols.org/sites/default/files/TS1_Trip%20Report_0303.pdf|last=Voelker|first=Richard|title=Trip Report to Northern Europe for National Science Foundation project|publisher=US Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration|date=22 April 2003|accessdate=28 November 2021}}</ref> While ''Botnica'' has also been praised for her seakeeping characteristics,<ref name="sm_1997" /> in open water operations the multipurpose icebreakers have not been competitive against purpose-built offshore vessels due to their higher fuel consumption.<ref name="mot_käsikirjoitus">{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2010/11/29/italialaista-jaanmurtoa-kasikirjoitus|title=Italialaista jäänmurtoa: käsikirjoitus|language=fi|publisher=YLE|accessdate=24 November 2021|date=29 November 2010}}</ref>
The state-owned shipping company Arctia and its predecessors have also been criticized for the financial losses and low profitability of the offshore business.<ref name="hs_20000823">{{cite web|url=http://www2.hs.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20020823KO10|title=Muistio: Monitoimimurtajien kannattavuus heikko|language=fi|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524050550/http://www2.hs.fi/uutiset/juttu.asp?id=20020823KO10|archivedate=24 May 2012|date=23 August 2000|accessdate=21 October 2011}}</ref><ref name="ts_20111007">{{cite web|url=http://www.ts.fi/online/talous/70748.html|title=Murtajat murroksen edessä|language=fi|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007194705/http://www.ts.fi/online/talous/70748.html|archivedate=7 October 2011|date=29 August 2009|accessdate=3 August 2011}}</ref> Unable to compete commercially against purpose-built offshore vessels, the multipurpose icebreakers would be the last ones to be hired unless they were offered at significantly reduced day rates.<ref name="mot_käsikirjoitus" /> Sometimes the ships were left without contracts and ''Botnica'' in particular spent long periods of time in foreign ports even during the Baltic Sea winter navigation season,<ref name="yle_20101115">{{citation|url=https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2010/11/15/avoin-kirje-ministeri-vehvilaiselle|first=Magnus|last=Berglund|title=Avoin kirje ministeri Vehviläiselle|language=fi|publisher=YLE|work=MOT - Mikä Oli Tutkittava|date=15 November 2010|accessdate=28 November 2021}}</ref> forcing the government of Finland to hire icebreakers from the commercial market to keep the ports open.<ref name="kl_20100203">{{cite web|url=http://www.kauppalehti.fi/5/i/yritykset/yritysuutiset/?oid=2010/02/30275|title=Nyt kutsutaan apuun jo yksitynenkin jäänmurtaja|language=fi|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315162035/http://www.kauppalehti.fi/5/i/yritykset/yritysuutiset/?oid=2010%2F02%2F30275|archivedate=15 March 2012|date=3 February 2010|publisher=Kauppalehti|accessdate=3 August 2011}}</ref>
== References == {{Commons category|IMO 9165877|MSV ''Botnica''}} {{Reflist|2|refs= <ref name=BalticCourse2018-07-04> {{cite news | url = http://www.baltic-course.com/eng2/good_for_business/?doc=141252 | title = Tallinna Sadam finds work for icebreaker Botnica in Canada | work = The Baltic Course | date = 4 July 2018 | accessdate = 5 July 2018 }} </ref>
<ref name=Globenewswire2018-07-04> {{cite news | url = https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/07/04/1533220/0/en/The-subsidiary-of-AS-Tallinna-Sadam-signed-an-agreement-for-chartering-m-v-Botnica-during-summer-periods.html | title = The subsidiary of AS Tallinna Sadam signed an agreement for chartering m/v Botnica during summer periods | work = Globe News Wire | author = | date = 4 July 2018 | page = | location = | accessdate = 5 July 2018 | quote = According to the agreement m/v Botnica will provide escort ice management services, oil spill and emergency response services. }} </ref> }}
{{Icebreakers of Finland}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Botnica}} Category:1998 ships Category:Icebreakers of Estonia Category:Icebreakers of Finland Category:Ships built in Rauma, Finland