Aker Yards to Build Missile Boat

Aker Finnyards, a part of Aker Yards, and the Finnish Navy have today signed a contract for building the fourth Hamina-class fast surface combatant worth €21.7 million for delivery summer 2006. Today there was also signed a contract of the conversion of the "Hamina", one of the previous vessels in the squadron, including installation of combat systems, at a price of €6.3 million. The above agreed implies in all 300 man years of work for the yard. President of Aker Finnyards, Yrjö Julin, says these are important contracts for the yard. "We were very pleased to sign these contracts. The Finnish Navy has been and is a very important customer for our company. Aker Finnyards aims to further develop its competitiveness in the naval craft market in order to remain as the preferred builder for the Finnish Navy." The first Hamina-class vessel, the "Hamina" was built in 1998, and the second, the "Tornio" was delivered in May 2003. The two sister vessels now in Aker Finnyards' orderbook are similar: With a length of 51 meters, a beam of 8.5 m, draught of 1.7 m and displacement of 236 tons. The vessels are of aluminum construction, and also light weight composite materials are used, e.g. in the superstructure. The propulsion system is two water jets, which give the vessel a speed of over 30 knots. The combat systems to be installed consist of SAM and SSM missiles, new sea mines and 57 mm gun system. The assembly onboard the "Tornio" was completed at Aker Finnyards on February 2, 2005.