The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command and local shipbuilder Marine Alutech have entered into an agreement under which Marine Alutech will supply 18 new troop transport boats to the Finnish Navy.
The boats will also be used for maintenance tasks in addition to troop transport. Deliveries are scheduled to take place from 2027 to 2029.
Each boat will have a length of 14 metres, a beam of 3.7 metres, a draught of only one metre, a displacement of 15 tonnes, a speed of 30 knots, and a crew of two.
Armament on each boat will consist of only one 12.7mm machine gun for anti-aircraft use.
Marine Alutech said that the bottom of each boat is smooth enough to permit safe operation in very shallow waters.
A low noise level (under 75 dBA) and ergonomically placed instruments will help crews handle and operate the boats safely and comfortably despite rugged military use.
The Logistics Command said the boats will be of a similar design to vessels that were introduced in the early 2000s but with structural updates in accordance with operator requirements.
The contract for the new troop transports has a total cost of approximately €25.2 million (US$29.3 million).
