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Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the first of four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes for the Finnish Navy. Today, the keel of the ship was laid in a cradle onto a building trestle inside the construction hall where the ship is being built. This marks a crucial step in the Squadron 2020 project, highlighting the progress of this multi-role vessel.
Keel Laying Ceremony
The keel laying ceremony is a maritime tradition that dates back centuries and holds great symbolic importance. It signifies the formal start of the ship’s construction and is often considered a milestone event in the shipbuilding process. In the case of the Pohjanmaa-class corvettes, the ceremony was conducted indoors due to national security reasons, and it was not open to the public.
Significance of the Project
The construction of the Pohjanmaa-class corvettes has a significant impact on employment in Finland, providing approximately 3,600 person-years of work. This project also underscores RMC’s commitment to national defense, showcasing the shipyard’s dedication to delivering high-quality vessels that meet the needs of the Finnish Navy.
RMC’s History and Achievements
RMC was founded in 2014, following the closure of the Rauma shipyard by STX Finland. Since then, the company has built several award-winning car and passenger ferries for commercial use, demonstrating its expertise in shipbuilding. The construction of the Pohjanmaa-class corvettes further solidifies RMC’s reputation as a leading shipbuilder in Finland.
Future Projects
In addition to the corvettes, RMC is also constructing two car and passenger ferries for the Australian Spirit of Tasmania. The company’s order book exceeds EUR 1 billion, indicating a strong pipeline of projects and continued growth in the shipbuilding industry.
Conclusion
The keel laying ceremony of the first Pohjanmaa-class corvette is a momentous occasion for RMC and the Finnish Navy. It symbolizes the progress made in the construction of these multi-role vessels and highlights RMC’s commitment to delivering high-quality ships for both commercial and defense purposes.
Multi-role corvette dimensions
- Length: 117 meters
- Width: 16 meters
Draft: 5 meters - Speed: 26 knots (48 km/h)
- Crew: 70
- Armament: PTO2020 Gabriel surface-to-surface missile system, ITO2020 Sparrow surface-to-air missile system.
- Anti-submarine system: lightweight torpedo Torped 47.
- Minelaying system: sea mines.
- Self-defense systems: 57 mm BAE Bofors gun, decoy launchers and remote-controlled weapons.
- Sensors: Surveillance and fire control radar, sonar and towable hydrophone cable, hull-mounted sonar
- Combat management system: Saab 9LV
