RMC cuts steel for fourth Pohjanmaa-class corvette, lays keel for third

January 15, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has reached major production milestones in the Finnish Navy’s Squadron 2020 program, cutting steel for the fourth Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette while laying the keel of the third vessel.

The event means that all four multi-purpose corvettes of the Pohjanmaa class are now simultaneously under construction at the RMC shipyard. The second multi-purpose corvette under construction is nearing the completion of hull works, while the first corvette, which was launched in May 2025, has reached the outfitting stage.

Finnish Navy’s first Pohjanmaa-class corvette hits the water

Vessels

“We are very pleased to now have all the multi-purpose corvettes of Pohjanmaa class under construction at the Rauma Shipyard. We have industrialised our procedures and construction processes to meet the requirements of our clients’ demanding projects. This is reflected in the progress we have made in the basic shipbuilding activities, in other words, hull construction,” said Mika Nieminen who is the CEO and President of RMC.

“The start of steel-cutting for the fourth vessel and the keel-laying of the third vessel are, once again, clear indications of the progress of the project and the capability of our marine industry, further strengthened also by the icebreaker projects that are about to start,” commented Brigadier General Engineering Juha-Matti Ylitalo, the Deputy Chief of Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command.

“Squadron 2020 is a strategic project for Finland, and the icebreaker project opens a whole new dimension for our marine industry. RMC has become a leading supplier of government vessels and military vessels in Finland. Together the projects boost economic activity significantly, particularly in Rauma region and Satakunta. The efficient execution of the projects, safeguarding mutual interests, is of crucial importance to the whole of Finland. I believe that RMC will provide interesting job opportunities to numerous professionals also in upcoming years,” noted the Finnish Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen, who is originally from Rauma.

The Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvettes are 117 metres long, with a beam of 16.5 metres and a draught of 5 metres, providing a balanced platform for operations in the demanding conditions of the Baltic Sea. Each vessel is designed to operate with a core crew of approximately 70 personnel, combining advanced capabilities with efficient crew management.

The vessels are capable of laying navy mines, performing defense actions against surface vessels, submarines, and various airborne targets, and conducting maritime operations. In addition to domestic operations, the vessels can be used in crisis management measures and as part of NATO’s Standing Naval Forces.