The Finnish Border Guard’s second offshore patrol vessel, built by Meyer Turku, was christened
PRESS RELEASE
FREE FOR PUBLICATION 30.10.2026 AT 3 PM EET
The construction of the two multipurpose offshore patrol vessels ordered by the Finnish Border Guard from Meyer Turku has reached the traditional christening ceremony held during the outfitting phase. On Friday, 30 October 2026, the second vessel was christened Valpas. The vessel was christened by its godmother, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.
The ceremony was held at the Uusikaupunki shipyard, where Meyer Turku is carrying out the vessel’s outfitting. The Finnish Border Guard was represented by its Deputy Chief, Rear Admiral Tom Hanén, and Meyer Turku by Deputy CEO Ville Saksi.
In accordance with shipbuilding tradition, the vessel’s godmother gave a speech. Following the speech, the vessel was christened in the traditional manner by breaking a bottle of champagne against its hull.
“Offshore patrol vessels are highly complex multipurpose vessels requiring extensive expertise and close cooperation between the customer and the entire project network. The christening of the second vessel marks an important milestone in the project. Our work continues with determination to deliver vessels that meet the Finnish Border Guard’s high requirements and serve Finland’s maritime security well into the future” says Ville Saksi, Deputy CEO of Meyer Turku.
“The Finnish Border Guard’s offshore patrol vessel project has reached an important milestone now that the second vessel has also been christened. The new vessels will enter service during the coming year. Our offshore patrol vessel fleet will be modern and harmonised once the operational systems of the patrol vessel Turva have also been upgraded. Finland’s ability to respond to the challenges of the security environment at sea will be significantly enhanced” says Vice Admiral Markku Hassinen, Chief of the Finnish Border Guard.
Both Finland’s security environment and the global security environment have undergone significant and long-term changes in recent years. These changes have created new and increasingly demanding challenges that require the ability to respond and act quickly and effectively.
The Finnish Border Guard’s operational capability at sea relies to a significant extent on the continuous operation and readiness of its multipurpose offshore patrol vessels. The new low-emission and energy-efficient offshore patrol vessels will operate at sea for approximately 330 days a year.
The order for the two multipurpose offshore patrol vessels is the largest single investment in the history of the Finnish Border Guard. The new vessels will strengthen the Finnish Border Guard’s maritime capabilities and readiness and contribute to Finland’s maritime security in the changed security environment. The first vessel, Karhu, will be completed in summer 2027, while the newly christened Valpas will be completed by the end of 2027.
For further information:
Finnish Border Guard
Project Manager Marko Aheristo
Tel. +358 29 542 0457
Meyer Turku Oy
Deputy CEO Ville Saksi
Tel. +358 40 823 2086
