Finnish shipbuilder secures German military order for troop transport vessel

The Finnish company Uudenkaupungin Työvene has signed a contract to deliver a crew transport vessel to the German Bundeswehr, the country’s armed forces, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), Germany’s defence procurement agency, has ordered a SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) vessel designed to carry up to 60 personnel. The ship will be stationed in Neustadt in Holstein, where it will transport staff between the naval base and larger offshore vessels.

The first SWATH transport vessel from the same concept was delivered in September 2025 for operations in North Sea offshore wind farms. This new order adapts the design for military use.

Uudenkaupungin Työvene, a subsidiary of Summa Defence, declined to disclose the contract value, citing security concerns. Summa Defence stated the deal aligns with its strategy of developing dual-use products—equipment with established civilian applications further adapted for defence purposes.