The ice situation in the Gulf of Finland has eased so much that the first high-speed passenger vessels began service between Helsinki and the Estonian capital Tallinn on Monday.
A catamaran of Nordic Jet Line was the first to sail on Monday morning.
Other shipping lines using fast vessels are to adhere to their previous announcements about opening the season. Linda Line, Silja Line, and Tallink are set to have their first sailings on Thursday, April 27th.
The introduction of the lighter high-speed vessels has been delayed by the late departure of ice from the Gulf of Finland, forcing passengers to use the heavier, slower car and passenger ferries.
The slower ships make the crossing in about three and a half hours, while the fast vessels do it in an hour and a half.
