JV to strengthen Finnish maritime cluster

The Government of Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean Group signed the declaration which aims to:

• Strengthen the innovation activities of Meyer Turku, Royal Caribbean Group and the maritime cluster with funding from Business Finland.
• Support networking to mitigate economic challenges, develop new solutions and secure the long-term viability of the marine industry.
• Draw up a roadmap producing climate neutral vessels in Finland.
• Create a digital demonstration of a climate neutral vessel as part of the sustainable marine industry development programme of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
• Pilot and test sustainable innovations and technologies on the vessels of Royal Caribbean Group
• Build climate neutral vessels in Turku in accordance with the roadmap.

There are about 1,800 companies operating in the Finish maritime sector that employs more than 40,000 people directly and generates a turnover of EUR 11.7 billion.

Chief Executive Officer of Meyer Turku, Tim Meyer, says: “This declaration is a new and important step for the entire maritime sector. We are committed to further developing ourselves and the entire network based on the Finnish know-how and our innovative thinking. As a shipyard, we are proud to be able to drive this work forward as the green transition offers us common opportunities to turn these strengths into a competitive advantage. It requires long-term commitment, which is one of our fundamental values as a family business.”

“Together with our Finnish partners, we have delivered some of the most impressive and sustainable ships of our time, including our latest ship, Icon of the Seas,” says Jason Liberty, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “This new partnership creates a base for future innovations and enables us and the marine industry to continue sustainable development at the highest level.”

“The role of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is to facilitate enterprise financing in Finland and to encourage companies to renew and pursue sustainable growth and productivity,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä. “Business Finland is prepared to fund innovation networks around leading projects that support the achievement of climate targets in maritime transport. Leading projects can receive EUR 50 million in funding, so I encourage all those involved in the sector to join forces with Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean Group.”