Finland signs corvette project construction contracts

Construction of corvettes will start in 2022. Image: Finnish Defense Forces

The Finnish Defense Forces and shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) have now signed a construction agreement for the Finnish Navy’s new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes. The agreement, valued at EUR 647.6 million (about $714 million) includes the final design and construction of four multipurpose vessels.

Under Finland’s Squadron 2020 project, the four corvettes will replace a large number of the Finnish Navy’s existing seven vessels.

The corvettes will be capable of engaging in warfare with surface combatants and submarines, taking anti-aircraft measures and commanding maritime operations.

Agreements on the supply and integration of the combat system and the supply of propellers and propeller shafts were also signed alongside the construction agreement. The combat system will be supplied by Sweden’s Saab AB, while Finland’s Aker Arctic Technology Oy will be responsible for the design, supply and integration of the propellers and propeller shafts.

RMC will integrate the different systems into the vessels in cooperation with the system suppliers.

Design of the new vessels is already in full swing and the shipyard will start building the first corvette in 2022.

AKER ARCTIC CONTRACT

Aker Arctic’s scope of delivery includes ice-strengthened controllable pitch propellers and their pitch control mechanisms, propeller shafts, bearings and shaft seals. In addition to complete design, calculations and material supplies, Aker Arctic will be responsible for installation supervision and commissioning of the propulsion lines.

Aker Arctic has been developing the propulsion line in cooperation with the Finnish Defense Forces since 2015 to ensure that the new multi-role corvettes will meet the demanding operational performance requirements of the Finnish Navy. An essential part of this development is matching the propeller with the hull to achieve high open water speed, ice-going capability and low underwater noise levels.