UDT 2022: Kongsberg propels development of Finland’s future corvettes
An impression of the future Pohjanmaa-class corvettes as released by the Finnish Armed Forces. (Image: Försvarsmakten)
Kongsberg Maritime has been contracted to supply Aker Arctic Technology with propellers and shafts for four newbuild SQ2020 corvette ships.
The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command initially recruited Aker Arctic to design and deliver full shaft line system to SQ2020 corvettes in September 2019.
Kongsberg will provide controllable pitch propellers and shafts for the four vessels; each corvette will be equipped with two propellers, with the propeller blades, hubs and shafts.
Finland is building four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes under its SQ2020 programme to replace seven vessels, the decommissioned minelayer Pohjanmaa, four Rauma-class fast-attack missile craft and two Hämeenlinna-class minelayers.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, construction began in 2021 and is expected to be completed by 2028 at an estimated cost of €1.32 billion ($1.56 billion).
According to Kongsberg, the Kamewa CP-A propeller system provides a 20% improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over its precursor. The new controllable pitch hub shape cuts down on drag, with sizes to suit power outputs ranging from approximately 500kW to 75MW.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
-
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.