Return of the Karolina river boat to the Narva–Narva-Jõesuu route in doubt

The river boat Karolina, which runs tourist trips between Narva and Narva-Jõesuu in eastern Estonia, may not return to the route next season. The cause is neither a lack of passengers nor a budget cut, but formal requirements tied to the status of the port.

The vessel carried passengers between the two towns for five seasons. During an inspection, Estonia's Transport Administration, which oversees shipping in the country, established that the boat, which is longer than 25 metres, does not fit the status of Narva's small port. That port is designed to receive vessels up to 24 metres long. The finding was reported by the Estonian TV programme Aktuaalne kaamera.

Port owner's responsibility

Kert Süsmalainen, head of the shipping department at the Transport Administration, said the port owner must ensure the port's category matches the vessels it receives. The inspection found that the small port was handling a vessel longer than 24 metres.

To receive Karolina, the port's status must be changed and a harbour master with the appropriate qualifications must be in place. A representative of the agency said the changes have already been entered in the register.

Boat owner's concerns

For the boat's owner, the matter is still unresolved. The season has ended, and prospects for next year depend on talks with the port's management. Owner Kaspar Eisel said that if no solution is found together with Narva port, the company will probably not continue working there next season. If a harbour master is hired solely for their vessel, the cost of his or her annual salary would effectively be passed on to them through port fees, and the question would arise whether they could cover their costs at all.

Eisel intends to discuss possible solutions with the port's new management. For now it is unknown whether Karolina will be able to return to the route next season.