The WINMOS I–IV projects are a long-term Nordic and Baltic cooperation initiative aimed at ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable year-round maritime transport in the Baltic Sea despite severe winter ice conditions. Building on decades of collaboration between Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and other Baltic Sea nations, the projects focus on developing and modernizing the winter navigation system through improved icebreaking services, digital management systems, training, and international coordination.

Across the four phases, the programme has evolved from studies and cooperation platforms into major infrastructure and fleet modernization investments. WINMOS I established the foundation by improving cooperation, developing icebreaking strategies, modernizing information systems, and planning future icebreaking capacity. WINMOS II continued this work by enhancing safety, operational efficiency, environmental performance, and cross-border cooperation while adapting the system to increasing maritime traffic and stricter environmental regulations. WINMOS III further strengthened the goal of maintaining predictable, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable winter navigation across the Baltic Sea.

WINMOS IV represents the most advanced stage of the programme, focusing on upgrading and renewing the icebreaker fleet through the construction of a new environmentally friendly Finnish icebreaker and modernization of five Swedish icebreakers. The project supports the EU’s transport corridors, climate goals, military mobility, and resilience of critical maritime infrastructure while enabling greener and more efficient shipping operations.

Overall, the WINMOS projects aim to secure efficient winter maritime transport in the Baltic Sea, reduce the impact of sea ice on trade and logistics, strengthen regional cooperation, improve environmental sustainability, and ensure long-term accessibility and security of supply for Northern Europe.

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