photo : RAUMA MARINE CONSTRUCTIONS photo : TALLINK GRUPP
President and CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions Jyrki Heinimaa
” Details of materials or components cannot be discussed in teleconferences or other open communications lines ,” Mr . Heinimaa points out .
” Due to the coronavirus pandemic , it has also become more difficult to meet various suppliers of components in person abroad , with regard to the rapidly changing virus situations in different countries . Some phases of the work may yet have to be re-scheduled because of this .”
If no major delays are encountered , the actual building of the four Navy corvettes is expected to start in 2022 . They will eventually replace seven older warships that are currently in service .
” These corvettes will be unique : the first corvettes in the world that are capable of operating in heavy ice conditions ,” Mr . Heinimaa emphasises .
After a relatively tough year of shipbuilding , he looks to the future with confidence .
” Overall , the pandemic has called for some new practices in shipbuilding , but things could have been much worse . Some shipyards abroad have had to close down altogether . Our professional and skilled shipbuilders , together with out network of responsible subcontractors , have helped to keep us afloat .” n
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