We all envision a future where our grandchildren can swim in clean waters and breathe clear northern sea air.
The tradition of shipbuilding in Rauma, which dates back to the 16th century, lives on strongly in us today. We combine maritime traditions with sustainable innovations across generations. Founded in 2014 as Finland’s only fully domestically owned shipbuilder on this scale, we create vessels that embody our passion and commitment to preserving the sea’s beauty while connecting worlds for generations to come.
Vision as a starting point
Every shared journey begins with the customer’s vision. During our initial meetings, the dreams entrusted to us feed our imagination and expertise. We are uniquely positioned to meet these aspirations: we have the versatile capabilities to deliver demanding projects, yet we are agile enough to tailor the vessel to the customer’s specific needs.
Our role is to find concrete solutions based on our customers’ wishes. We actively seek a balance between dreams and reality and build ships that meet our customers’ needs, are technically feasible, economically viable, and comply with sustainable development requirements.
This approach continues Rauma’s centuries-old maritime tradition. Just as the master craftsmen before us built the most advanced ships of their time, we create modern, technologically innovative vessels that continue our history and realize our customers’ vision for the future.
We deliver innovative solutions that stand the test of time
A vessel built today must be able to sail the seven seas for decades to come. That’s why the shipbuilder plays a vital role in creating a new, more environmentally friendly generation of ships. This is where our network of partner companies comes into play. We utilise the advanced solutions developed by our partners, making it possible to implement these innovations in practice.
We are an active part of the entire maritime industry’s value chain: in research, planning, building, operating, and maintenance. We believe that to implement sustainable solutions, we need cooperation and discussion across geographical and industry borders.
History
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 of Uljas continues beneath the Baltic waters off Valkiakari, where the town ceremonially laid it to rest in 1950.
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.
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 Nordic’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 all the world’s oceans.
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 shipbuilding engineers, we have answered the sea’s call through changing demand and times.
Rauma Marine Constructions Today
Today, we operate at Seaside Industry Park in Rauma alongside numerous maritime industry leaders. Our Finnish ownership ensures agile decision-making while fostering innovative solutions that serve domestic and international clients across diverse maritime environments.
Our award-winning vessels testify to the sophistication of our processes, but our real treasures are the exceptional professionals whose friendship and expertise bring our vessels to life.
Our expertise reflects our Nordic environment. Our surrounding waters freeze each winter, cultivating our specialized knowledge in ice-capable vessels that serve diverse needs.
As proof of this, we are currently building the next generation of multi-purpose corvettes for the Finnish Navy, which are unique in terms of their performance and capabilities and can also operate in ice conditions. These vessels will secure our country’s vital sea routes for decades to come.
We approach this responsibility with both professional pride and deep national commitment.
At the same time, our award-winning vessels, such as Aurora Botnia, demonstrate our commitment to sustainable shipbuilding that protects our precious waters.
Our 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.
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 by building vessels that will carry us all into a sustainable future.
We offer unique opportunities
Working at RMC does not mean just building ships from the ground up. RMC employs professionals who work in interior and electrical wiring design, IT, data analytics, economics, and sales, for example.
We are an organisation of 300 experts. We lead dozens of network partner companies in the process of designing and constructing ships. The result is a range of modern vessels that cannot be created anywhere else.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of our operations
At Rauma Marine Constructions, sustainability is one of the central elements of our operations. We believe that the success of our company depends entirely on our comprehensive approach to sustainability. Sustainability is not detached from other operations, but an integral part of everyday tasks and business.
A critical part of our operations is considering the environment regarding the end product, i.e., the finished ship. A significant part of the environmental impact of the vessel comes from emissions resulting from its operation. As a responsible shipbuilder, we aim to find the right combination of solutions that allow the use of low-emission propulsion machinery and fuels.
We comply with international standards and agreements related to human rights, working life rights, the environment, and anti-corruption activities. Responsibility for various stakeholders is a key part of our operations. Getting skilled employees and funding, as well as securing new orders as part of developing competitiveness, requires an active, responsible, and transparent implementation method.
Our responsibility is based on:
- Risk management methods
- Operational environment analysis
- Adherence to good governance
- Considering the environment in projects: energy efficiency, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient ships
- Occupational well-being and safety
- Understanding and implementing employer responsibility
Sustainability supported by Finnish ownership
As society becomes more transparent, the same is required from the business activities of all companies. RMC is the only fully domestically-owned shipbuilding company of its size range. The fact that our owners are also Finnish people forms the foundation for the responsibility of our operations. Both the company’s decision-making and employment will remain in Finland, and our owners are governed by Finnish law and industry regulations.
As a responsible operator, RMC adheres to the international norms and agreements on human rights, employment rights, the environment, and anti-corruption measures. Our responsibility to different stakeholders is a central part of our operations. In order to secure talented employees, financing, and new commissions as part of improving our competitiveness, our methods must be active, responsible and transparent.
RMC will always strive to form long-term relationships with its clients and network of partners. It is vital for us to find partners who understand our values and are committed to the same goals. We require a commitment from our partners to the same principles and methods of responsible operations that we, as a company, pledge to comply with in the cooperation.
Certified operations
The certifications awarded to RMC convey our commitment to sustainability. They show that we consider environmental and occupational health and safety aspects in all our operations and fulfil requirements as set by the recognised standards.
The certification requirements extend to all areas of operations, from vessel design to construction, as well as management and leadership. Being granted the certifications also means that we have a plan to continuously improve operations moving forward.
We use a Whistleblowing Channel as a tool to maintain ethical principles and trust.
Quality management at RMC is based on customer-centricity, management and leadership, processes, employee engagement, continuous improvement and relationship management. These focus points guide how RMC operates with customers and other stakeholders. Moreover, as stated in the ISO 9001:2015 standard, risk management is essential in not only quality management, but across the company’s entire management system.
Fulfilling – and, at best, exceeding – customer expectations in projects is crucial for business. Success is enabled by good management and committed personnel. RMC taps into seasoned experts as well as new modes of thinking. To maintain a high level of quality, we develop and standardise processes.
Our environmental management system is a set of processes and practices that systematically improve the management and outcome of environmental protection at RMC. The ISO 14001 system helps us to further accelerate our environmental protection measures. Energy-efficient solutions are at the core of modern shipbuilding and crucial to operating a ship. Our customers expect new ships to be environmentally friendly, energy efficient and equipped with the latest, high-performance technology.
RMC wants to be a forerunner in using and creating increasingly environmentally friendly technology. Decreasing the size of our product’s environmental impact is important to us. We strive to use advanced, fuel-efficient concepts, and each ship that we build, or service, is more eco-efficient than its predecessor. Furthermore, we want to take energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions forward and emphasise eco-efficiency throughout the value chain.
For example, the new Wasaline ferry, built by RMC for Kvarken Link, is thus far the most environmentally friendly vessel in its class. It is the first RoPax ferry in the world with a Clean Design class mark. The vessel’s primary fuel is liquefied natural gas (LNG). In addition, the new ferry can use locally produced biogas, and batteries supply power for propulsion during entry and exit to and from ports.
RMC uses the ISO 45001 system to promote the health and safety of employees, reduce workplace risks and create healthier, safer working conditions. The standard emphasises:
- the commitment of top management
- employee engagement
- risk management and tapping into opportunities for improvement
- integrating health and safety into the organisation’s business processes
Everyone has the right to a healthy and safe workplace. Occupational safety concerns not only people but also the environment and the premises. It is important that we can all work peacefully in a safe environment.
Occupational safety is a prerequisite for preventing accidents and safeguarding and maintaining the personnel’s ability to work. Anticipation and risk management are essential to occupational safety. Ensuring safe premises, safe equipment and a safe environment is a joint effort.
RMC’s safety practices include safety walks, risk assessments and reporting of safety observations and near-miss events. These procedures allow us to further improve working conditions and eliminate or reduce risks. For example, in order to prevent accidents and close calls from the start, it is essential that new employees are introduced to the characteristics of the shipyard environment. RMC’s management team receive regular reports on occupational health and safety. Moreover, we organise trainings for personnel who need a hot work permit, an occupational safety card or education in first aid skills.
What is it?
Through our dedicated Whistleblowing Channel, a suspicion of an illegal or unethical act, a violation of company laws or other potential types of misconduct may be reported confidentially.
Why is it needed?
The Whistleblowing Channel is a tool for maintaining ethical principles and trust.
We expect every member of our staff to follow our ethical principles and the laws that govern our organisation in their daily work. If an employee or a person otherwise in contact with our organisation suspects there to be an ethical or law-related violation occuring, they can report it through the Whistleblowing Channel.
What it consists of?
Both our employees and anyone associated with our organisation can use our dedicated Whistleblowing Channel to report anonymously, for example, the following kinds of violations or suspicions of wrongdoing:
- Bribery, corruption and money laundering
- The ‘grey’ economy
- Unlawful conduct or unfair competition
- Violation of environmental and occupational safety legislation
- Violation of applicable data protection laws
- Violation of product, food and pharmaceutical safety legislation
- Interference with the right of workers to organise
- Unilateral weakening of work tasks
- Violations of other laws or our ethical principles.
Reports must be made in good faith. The channel is not meant for giving customer or supplier feedback dealing with invoicing or terms of contract, for example, and these types of feedback will not be investigated. Deliberate false reports are prohibited and may result in legal action being initiated.
Who is it for?
This Whistleblowing Channel is designed for both our employees and all stakeholders of our organisation.
How?
Anyone can report anonymously through the Whistleblowing Channel. The channel is provided by an external service provider to ensure its confidentiality. The system is both encrypted, and password protected.
After submitting the notification, the whistleblower will receive an anonymous username and password with which they can log in to the service and communicate with whistleblowing notification handlers.
The notices sent via the service are only readable by the specified persons. All notifications will be treated confidentially.