For the first time this winter, ships will sail across the IJsselmeer in convoys led by icebreakers.

The transport ministry says the thaw which set in on Sunday is causing ice floes to break up and the wind causes the floes to pile up in huge stacks. As a result, ships are no longer able to sail from Lelystad and Lemmer to Amsterdam unassisted.

The first convoy will sail later today. Earlier this winter icebreakers were used to keep open shipping lanes but there was no need then to sail in convoys.

In addition to the IJsselmeer, stacks of ice floes have also been spotted near the Lauwersmeer, the Urk lighthouse and near the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve.

The phenomenon is not just an impressive sight, but can also cause substantial damage to dikes and quaysides.

(gsh)

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