Meyer Turku secures long-term jobs with new giant cruise ship orders

Two new Icon-class cruise ships will be built at the Meyer Turku shipyard for delivery in 2029 and 2030, ensuring continued work for the yard and its extensive subcontractor network, Yle reports.

The order guarantees employment for years to come, providing a significant boost to the economy of southwest Finland. The sixth and seventh vessels in the Icon series will be handed over to Royal Caribbean, following the delivery of the third ship next summer. The fourth, Hero of the Seas, is currently under construction.

Subcontractors rely on cruise ship production
Meyer Turku collaborates with over 1,300 subcontractors, many of which depend heavily on the shipyard’s projects. Piikkio Works, a subsidiary specialising in cabin assembly, operates a production line for the ships and is prepared to hire more workers if needed. Managing Director Esa Saarinen noted that while the current workforce of around 150 is sufficient, finding skilled specialists—such as tilers for cabin interiors—remains challenging.

Another subcontractor, NIT, derives over half its revenue from Meyer Turku’s projects. Sales Director Sebastian Lagerlöf said the new orders secure work for the next four years, allowing the company to focus on competitiveness. NIT previously built the Royal Promenade and crew staircases for Icon ships and hopes to continue this work for the new vessels.

Furniture manufacturer Paattimaakarit, based in Raisio, supplies interiors primarily for onboard restaurants, with two-thirds of its revenue tied to the shipyard. CEO Sami Nurmela emphasised that the steady order book preserves existing jobs and may create new ones.

No new subcontractors to be added
Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm stated that the company will not onboard new subcontractors due to past compliance issues within the network. Instead, it will rely on existing partners, who can scale up workforce and production as needed. Piikkio Works’ Saarinen confirmed this approach, noting that current collaborators can meet demand while ensuring adherence to regulations.