The publication of N2000 nautical charts will change the symbols used on charts. N2000 charts will no longer include authorised draughts for merchant shipping lanes. Going forward, channel information will be presented in separate Sailing Directions.

However, the instructions published in 2021 regarding the use of fairways must already be followed throughout Finland, regardless of whether you are using MSL or N2000 nautical charts. The authorised draughts presented on current MSL charts must also be interpreted as design draughts as per the instructions.

The publication of N2000 nautical charts began with the Bay of Bothnia in late 2021. The reform will proceed from the Bay of Bothnia via the Sea of Bothnia and Archipelago Sea to the Gulf of Finland. For inland waters, the reform is planned to start in 2023. The reform is estimated to take approximately 5–6 years to complete. An up-to-date chart product index detailing the progress of the reform is maintained on Traficom’s website.

Useful links:

Channel depth instructions:
https://www.traficom.fi/sites/default/files/media/file/SYVYYSOHJE_EN_2021_11_01.pdf (PDF)
Sailing Directions for Finnish waters:
https://www.traficom.fi/en/services/sailing-directions-finnish-waters

Publication status of N2000 charts:https://www.traficom.fi/en/transport/maritime/publication-status-n2000-charts

Finnish Meteorological Institute’s sea level data, also according to N2000: https://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/sea-level