Finnish Defence Forces select LR to class new surface combatants

The Finnish Defence Forces have chosen Lloyd’s Register (LR) to classify four new surface combatants for the Finnish Navy.

The vessels are part of the Finnish Defence Forces’ strategic project Squadron 2020, which has a goal to replace seven vessels that have been or are scheduled to be decommissioned.

The construction of the first ship will start in June 2019, with the last ship to be delivered by end of June 2025. It is hoped that full operational capability of all vessels will be achieved by 2027.

The four multi-role corvettes will have upgraded capabilities to counter modern threats. They will be capable of territorial integrity surveillance, securing vital sea lines of communication and deterring attacks from the sea. They could also be used for international crisis management.

Additionally, they will be able to navigate through ice-covered waters.

LR will begin plan approval this month.