At the Rauma Shipyard, the Squadron 2020 project of the Finnish Navy has progressed successfully, with three of the four multi-purpose corvettes ordered by the Navy simultaneously under construction. The investments made especially in the recent years in competence and the development of a comprehensive in-house production process are now turning into reality in the best possible way. The Defence Ministers of Finland and Sweden witnessed with their own eyes the capability of RMC during their visit to the Shipyard today.

The Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen together with his Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson visited the Rauma Shipyard today in an unforeseen situation where as many as three multi-purpose corvettes are simultaneously under construction for the Finnish Navy. This is the world’s most capable ice-going military vessel in its own class at this moment in time.

RMC can offer the competence, capabilities, capacity, and readiness to build both ice-going military vessels and icebreakers on an expedited schedule.

The Defence Ministers from Finland and Sweden today had the opportunity in Rauma to witness the concrete implementation of the strategic-industrial cooperation between the countries in the building of multi-purpose corvettes. The vessels are built by the Finnish company RMC and the Swedish company SAAB, among others, delivers systems developed by them for use by the Finnish Navy.

– This unique situation has made it possible for us to truly test our capabilities and the performance of our processes as a strong total supplier of vessels of different types. The location of the Rauma Shipyard is excellent for purposes of logistics and shipbuilding. This is strategically an excellent place to build military ships, icebreakers and vessels for authorities, says RMC’s CEO Mika Nieminen.

RMC has made significant investments in the development of the infrastructure at the shipyard, such as a heavy haul ramp, in amplifying the efficiency of independent steel production to a top level as well as in personnel competences, the smooth running of production processes, safety, and quality. The continuous support of and seamless collaboration with the Town of Rauma, other cooperation partners, and committed employees also play an important role.

The simultaneous construction of three corvettes is a true show of strength which has restored the versatile military ship expertise in Finland and in Rauma. RMC has now demonstrated, even on an international scale, its position as one of the leading shipyards in the world as the builder of military and ice-breaking vessels as well as RoPax ferries.

– We have successfully developed exceptional capabilities in the segments of government vessels of different types, including ice-going military vessels and icebreakers, while at the same time enhancing our knowledge in the field of emission-free shipping. We believe that going forward, our expertise will benefit not only Finland, but also Sweden and our other Nato allies, says CEO Mika Nieminen from the Rauma Shipyard.

At present, three multi-purpose corvettes of Pohjanmaa Class for the Finnish Navy are under construction at the Rauma Shipyard. All the multi-purpose corvettes of the Squadron 2020 Project are scheduled to be completed in 2029. The project has an employment impact of a total of up to 3,500 people.