Estonia plans to give up subsidized air traffic with Seal Island / Article

This week, the Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture announced a procurement tender for the provision of subsidized air traffic on the route Kuressaare – Roņu sala – Pärnu until September 30, 2029.

It is possible to terminate the contract earlier if a ferry is purchased before the term of the contract, with which traffic can be ensured throughout the year.

Jaaks Simons, advisor of the Ministry’s public transport department, said that the “Runo” ferry, which currently serves the Roņu Island route, cannot run all year round. However, air travel is expensive and weather-dependent, making it difficult to deliver goods to the island by plane.

Simons pointed out that the Ministry of Climate has commissioned the development of the initial prototype specifications for a new ferry. With it, sailing to the small islands will be possible all year round.

“Right now we have general prototypes, but it’s too early to talk about specific technical data,” the adviser said.

Raimet Figols, mayor of Roņi Island municipality, said that “Runo” can reach a speed of 20-25 knots, while an ice-class ship can reach a speed of no more than 10 knots.

“This means that, in good weather, you can get from Seal Island to Pärnu in six hours. Day trips or doctor’s appointments, as it is now, will end immediately. It’s complete madness!” he said.

Less than 100 people permanently live on the island of Roņi or Ruhnu.

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