Saimaa Canal open as of 24 June

The Saimaa Canal delegates have decided that the sailing season in the canal will start on 24 June 2024 and last until 31 December 2024.

Each year, the delegates agree on a protocol on the length of the sailing season and the date on which it will open for traffic. The decision is made according to the Saimaa Canal lease agreement which is an international agreement approved by Parliament.

The infrastructure of the canal will be put into operation with this decision. The decision to open the canal allows cargo and passenger ships to pass through the canal. However, the traffic is subject to government decisions and the sanctions imposed by the EU.

For the time being, the crossing points of Haapasaari, Nuijamaa port, and Santio are closed by a government decision. These are crossing points for pleasure craft referred to in the Schengen Borders Code. 

The Saimaa Canal is 43 kilometres long. Nearly half of the canal runs through an area leased from Russia.

Inquiries:

Minna Kivimäki, Permanent Secretary, Finland’s Saimaa Canal Delegate, tel. +368 295 342 389, [email protected] 
Seppo Kykkänen, Head of the Saimaa Canal Delegate’s Office, tel. +358 295 342 580, [email protected]