Rauma Shipyard Advances Finnish Navy’s Corvette Fleet
On January 14, 2026, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) marked a significant milestone in naval defense by laying the keel for the third Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette for the Finnish Navy. This event also celebrated the commencement of construction for the fourth corvette, making it a historic moment as all four vessels of this class are now being built simultaneously at the Rauma shipyard. The company is also gearing up for the production of two icebreakers ordered by the United States, further enhancing its operational capacity.
Significant Milestones in Naval Construction
The year 2026 is shaping up to be pivotal for RMC, with the simultaneous construction of all four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes. The keel-laying ceremony for the third corvette coincided with the steel-cutting event for the fourth vessel, underscoring the rapid progress of the Squadron 2020 project. Currently, the second corvette is nearing the completion of its hull works, while the first corvette, launched in May 2025, has entered the outfitting stage.
Mika Nieminen, CEO and President of RMC, expressed pride in the shipyard’s achievements, stating, “We are very pleased to now have all the multi-purpose corvettes of the Pohjanmaa-class under construction at the Rauma Shipyard.” He emphasized the industrialization of their construction processes, which has allowed them to meet the demanding requirements of their clients. The Squadron 2020 project is expected to create approximately 3,600 person-years of direct employment in Finland, showcasing its significant impact on the local economy.
Brigadier General Engineering Juha-Matti Ylitalo, Deputy Chief of Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, highlighted the importance of these developments, stating, “The start of steel-cutting for the fourth vessel and the keel-laying of the third vessel are clear indications of the progress of the project and the capability of our marine industry.” The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are designed for year-round operation in the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea, making them one of the most capable vessel types in the region.
Future Prospects and Economic Impact
In addition to the corvette project, RMC is preparing to begin production on two icebreakers contracted by the U.S. Coast Guard, which are expected to be delivered by 2028. The projected direct employment impact of these icebreaker projects is about 2,000 person-years, contributing to a total expected impact of around 5,000 person-years when combined with the corvette project. This overlap in projects is anticipated to significantly boost economic activity, particularly in the Rauma region and the broader Satakunta area.
Finnish Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen, who hails from Rauma, noted the strategic importance of these projects for Finland. He stated, “Squadron 2020 is a strategic project for Finland, and the icebreaker project opens a whole new dimension for our marine industry.” As RMC continues to expand its workforce from 300 to approximately 400 employees, the company is poised to enhance its capabilities and solidify its position as a leading supplier of government and military vessels in Finland.
With the ongoing investments in steel production and operational expertise, RMC is not only strengthening its domestic capabilities but also positioning itself competitively in the international market. The future looks promising for the Finnish shipbuilder as it embarks on these ambitious projects.
