Aker Arctic to supply propellers and shaft lines to new Pohjanmaa-class Finnish Navy multi-role corvettes.

On 26th September 2019, the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command and Aker Arctic Technology Inc signed a contract for the design, delivery and integration of complete propulsion lines to four Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes for the Finnish Navy. Construction of the vessels is scheduled to begin in 2022 and the four-strong squadron will achieve operational readiness in 2028.

3D renderings image of Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes for the Finnish Navy. (Picture source Finnish Defence Forces)

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 co-operation with the Finnish Defence 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.

Previously, Aker Arctic has supplied ice-strengthened stainless steel propellers to two Polar Class 3 Arctic module carriers delivered in 2016 and complete propulsion lines to the detachable icebreaking bow currently under final outfitting. In addition, the company has been developing bronze propellers for ice operations and supplied such propellers to be used in ASD tugs.

The Pohjanmaa class is a series of four multi-role corvettes currently under development for the Finnish Navy as part of the Squadron 2020 (Finnish: Laivue 2020) project.

The overall length of the Pohjanmaa-class corvettes is 114 m, and the beam spans 16 m. The ships displace about 3,900 tonnes (3,800 long tons; 4,300 short tons). Each ship compliments a crew of 70–120. The ship incorporates some major features including ice-strengthened hull. The flight deck, with its hangar, can house either helicopters or UAVs.

The Pohjanmaa class corvette will be armed with Bofors 57 mm guns, ESSM surface-to-air missiles, Gabriel surface-to-surface missiles, Torped 47 anti-submarine torpedoes, as well as sea mines.