We all envision a future where our grandchildren can swim in clean waters and breathe clear northern sea air.
From Ancient Craft to Future Innovation
The sea calls to us. For generations, we have embraced its mystery and learned to respect its power. Here in Rauma, shipbuilders have crafted vessels since the 16th century, establishing a tradition of maritime excellence that pulses through our community today.
This heritage flows through Rauma Marine Constructions as we unite centuries of Finnish shipbuilding knowledge with cutting-edge technology and sustainable innovation. Every vessel we create tells this story – not merely assemblies of steel and technology, but embodiments of heritage, passion, and dreams. They connect worlds, enabling people to experience the wonders of the sea while preserving its beauty for generations to come.
For us, shipbuilding transcends mere construction. We merge art, science, and passion that animate every project. Founded in 2014 as Finland’s only fully domestically-owned shipbuilding company of our scale, we proudly steward Rauma’s maritime legacy while charting a course toward a sustainable future.
It All Starts With Vision
Our journey with each client begins with their vision. The dream they entrust to us at our first meeting. We occupy a distinctive position in the industry; robust enough to tackle demanding projects yet nimble enough to tailor the vessel to our client’s specific needs.
We excel at transforming our clients’ deepest aspirations into tangible solutions. We strike the essential balance between dreams and reality, crafting vessels that fulfill the client’s wishes while ensuring technical feasibility, economic viability, and ecological compatibility.
This approach carries forward Rauma’s centuries-old maritime tradition. Just as the master craftsmen before us built vessels that defined their era, we create ships that honor our proud heritage while bringing our clients’ forward-looking visions to life, continuing the excellence that has characterized Rauma’s relationship with the sea for generations.
The Early Years
Shipbuilding in Rauma began in the 16th century when local craftsmen established the town’s first shipyard, or “varvi.” During the golden age of sail, Rauma’s shipwrights created Finland’s most impressive sailing fleet of the 19th century. The legendary schooner Uljas, built in 1891, exemplified this proud tradition. This legacy continues beneath the Baltic waters off Valkiakari, where the town ceremonially laid it to rest in 1950.
Industrial Development
The modern industrial era of Rauma shipbuilding dawned in 1912 when Wuojoki Goods Oy established a sawmill in Rauma. By 1918, the company created a separate mechanical workshop and shipyard division, completing a slipway in 1922. The company became Rauma Wood Oy in 1916, and through a series of mergers in subsequent decades, evolved into Rauma-Repola Oy by 1952.
Post-War Growth
The post-war period transformed shipbuilding in Rauma. In 1945, the shipyard received its first order for war reparation vessels: six composite-structure barges, and eventually built 57 such vessels. This era witnessed the construction of Finland’s largest dry dock in 1946, measuring 155 x 22 meters.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, the shipyard flourished, producing numerous tankers and cargo vessels and pioneering the first roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. By the 1980s, Rauma had established itself as a leader in specialized vessel construction, creating passenger ferries, icebreakers, and research vessels that sailed the world’s oceans.
Modern Evolution
The 1990s saw various corporate transformations. Operating as Rauma Yards, Finnyards, Aker Finnyards, and Aker Yards, the shipyard maintained its excellence in specialized vessels. During this period, shipbuilders created next-generation multipurpose icebreakers Fennica, Nordica, and Botnica between 1993 and 1998, along with numerous car and passenger ferries that now connect communities throughout Europe.
From ancient craftsmen to today’s precision engineers, we have answered the sea’s call through changing times.
Rauma Marine Constructions Today
Today, we operate at Seaside Industry Park in Rauma alongside dozens of maritime industry leaders. Our Finnish ownership ensures agile decision-making while fostering innovative solutions that serve both domestic and international clients across diverse maritime environments.
Our expertise reflects our Nordic environment. Our surrounding waters freeze each winter, cultivating our specialized knowledge in ice-capable vessels that serve diverse needs. This expertise extends globally, as evidenced by our work on the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, which is the largest-ever trade deal between Finland and Australia. These specialized ships, designed for the challenging Bass Strait crossing, showcase our ability to meet the most demanding open-sea conditions worldwide.
At home, we’re currently building the Finnish Navy’s next-generation multi-role corvettes, vessels that will safeguard our nation’s vital sea routes for decades to come. We approach this responsibility with both professional pride and deep national commitment. Meanwhile, award-winning vessels like Aurora Botnia demonstrate our dedication to sustainable shipbuilding that protects our waters.
From ancient craftsmen to today’s precision engineers, we have answered the sea’s call through changing times. At Rauma Marine Constructions, we continue this voyage, honoring our past while building vessels that will carry us all into a sustainable future.