Simulation Tool for Winter Navigation Decision Support in the Baltic Sea

This article presents a novel simulation tool for the analysis of winter navigation operations in Baltic Sea context Finnish–Swedish Winter Navigation System (FSWNS). The aim is to simulate performance FSWNS under various potential future operating scenarios and thereby support decision making matters affecting operation development FSWNS, instance, terms icebreaking resources ice class regulations. To this end, considers key factors characteristics such as prevailing conditions, ice-going capability other technical relevant merchant vessels, availability resources, features specific (e.g., convoys). would allow testing several “what-if” scenarios, answering questions related optimal engine power safe, efficient, environmentally friendly scheduling icebreakers effective cost-efficient assistance missions.