Shipping lanes in the Gulf of Bothnia
This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 3 February 2025, shows shipping lanes in the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea, near the city of Hailuoto, Finland.
In winter, in this area can be complicated as a result of the presence of sea ice, which affects the Gulf of Bothnia for six months in a year on average. During these time periods, icebreakers are required in the gulf to keep ports open.
Data from the Copernicus satellites allows for accurate and frequent monitoring of Arctic regions. In particular, the Copernicus Arctic Hub provides data and information related to the Arctic, including data on sea ice coverage. The Hub supports evidence-based decision-making and sustainable management of this crucial region by delivering insights on shipping routes, the effects of climate change, and more.