Launch of Multi-Purpose Corvette Marks Key Milestone for Finnish Navy
On May 21, 2025, the Rauma shipyard celebrated a major milestone with the launch of the first multi-purpose corvette, part of the Finnish Navy’s Squadron 2020 project. This achievement showcases Rauma Marine Constructions’ (RMC) capability to handle complex shipbuilding projects efficiently.
The Squadron 2020 initiative is making steady progress, and as construction picks up on additional corvettes, the overall pace of work is expected to increase. The project is projected to generate over 3,600 person-years of employment in Finland, significantly contributing to the local economy.
Mika Nieminen, CEO of RMC, expressed pride in the recent developments, stating, “We have made focused investments in the Rauma shipyard, enhancing our capacity. The shipyard is now in optimal condition for production.”
RMC prides itself on its strong engineering skills and effective project management, which enable it to build a variety of ships, from efficient commercial vessels to advanced warships and icebreakers capable of navigating harsh conditions. This versatility highlights RMC’s technical expertise.
Timo Ståhlhammar, Project Director of RMC’s Squadron Project, noted that the new vessel reflects effective collaboration among various organizations, including the Finnish Government, the Finnish Defence Forces, and industry partners.
Under the Squadron 2020 project, RMC plans to construct four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes for the Finnish Navy. These vessels are designed for year-round operation in challenging Baltic Sea conditions, making them among the most advanced ships in the region.
Throughout the 2020s, significant investments have been made to enhance the shipyard’s infrastructure, including a specialized construction hall for the corvettes, which ensures safe and high-quality production. Moreover, enhancements in steel production capabilities and the addition of heavy transfer ramps have further prepared the shipyard for its ambitious projects.
Mika Nieminen concluded, “The construction of these corvettes will boost both our shipbuilding industry and technological expertise in Finland. We are ready to leverage the skills gained from the Squadron 2020 project both domestically and internationally.”
