Ice Blocks Harbors in Greifswalder Bodden - Baltic Sea frozen solid as winter ice cripples key shipping routes

Heavy ice has brought parts of the Baltic Sea to a standstill, disrupting shipping across Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Several ports in the Greifswald Lagoon remain blocked, while authorities work to clear pathways for stranded vessels. The situation mirrors the extreme winter of 2011/12, when ice up to 50 cm thick paralysed maritime traffic in the region.

Winter frost has locked large sections of the northeastern Baltic Sea in thick ice, leaving key harbours inaccessible. Stralsund, Ladebow, Vierow, Lubmin and Wolgast are currently cut off, with four fully loaded ships trapped in Lubmin and Vierow. Even ice-class certified vessels are struggling to pass through the Landtief fairway and the channel near Palmer Ort.

The Waterways and Shipping Office (WSA Ostsee) is coordinating icebreaking operations to assist ships. Their efforts have helped the LNG tanker Minerva Amorgos depart, while the Marvel Phoenix—another LNG carrier—is expected to arrive on Sunday, weather permitting. Despite the challenges, the ports of Rostock and Wismar remain open, though under close monitoring.

Conditions in the southwestern Baltic have not been this severe since the record winter of 2011/12. Back then, ice up to half a metre thick caused similar disruptions, blocking the same harbours while leaving Rostock and Wismar operational. This time, affected areas include Wismar Bay, Salzhaff, the Bodden near Darß and Zingst, and waters around Rügen.

The WSA Ostsee continues to guide ships awaiting entry into the icy ports, but delays persist. With the Marvel Phoenix due on Sunday, authorities are watching weather updates closely. The current freeze has already matched the worst conditions seen in over a decade, testing both vessels and infrastructure.