Winter Chaos Disrupts Estonia's Ferry Routes as Ice and Low Water Slow Travel

Ferry services between Virtsu and Kuivastu are facing delays due to harsh winter conditions. The 55-year-old Regula vessel, standing in for the Tõll during its scheduled maintenance, is struggling with thick ice and low water levels. Passengers have been warned to expect journeys up to an hour and a half longer than usual.

Maintenance for the Tõll ferry was planned last August, with work taking place in February when passenger numbers are typically lower. However, this winter brought the worst ice conditions and lowest water levels in a decade—far more severe than anticipated.

The Regula, temporarily covering the route, cannot dock at normal speed because of shallow waters and an unsuitable shore ramp. Ice buildup in harbours and strong winds have further slowed operations, causing delays of up to an hour on Saaremaa connections. Meanwhile, the newer vessel Piret continues to run on schedule, completing the crossing in the usual one hour and 40 minutes under normal conditions.

Updated timetables are available on the praamid.ee website, and passengers holding e-tickets are receiving SMS notifications about changes. Authorities advise travellers to allow extra time for their journeys while the Tõll remains in dock.

The combination of unseasonably harsh ice, low water, and maintenance work has disrupted ferry services. Until conditions improve or the Tõll returns, passengers on the Regula will face extended travel times. Real-time updates remain available online for those planning to cross.