Suomen Joutsen returns to Turku after hull repairs

The museum ship Suomen Joutsen has returned to the Aurajoki river in Turku after a hole in its hull was repaired at a shipyard, Yle reports.

The frigate was towed back from a repair yard in Naantali on Friday afternoon after spending more than a week there. Its surfaces were sandblasted and painted, and the hole was discovered during sandblasting. Shipmaster Perttu Mäkinen said the hull had extensive corrosion.

The ship’s swan symbol, coat of arms and initials were also polished.

The current overhaul began in 2024 and is due to continue until 2028. Such a major renovation is carried out about once every 30 years and is expected to cost two million euros. The City of Turku owns the ship, while Forum Marinum is responsible for its care and museum operations.

Suomen Joutsen was built in France in 1902 as a cargo ship. Finland bought it in 1930 for use as a naval training ship, when its crew numbered 180.