Border Guard names second new patrol vessel Valpas

Finland’s Border Guard has named its second new offshore patrol vessel Valpas, Yle reports. The naming ceremony was held on Friday at a shipyard in Uusikaupunki, where the vessel is being fitted out.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, the vessel’s sponsor, performed the christening.

The Border Guard ordered two vessels from Meyer Turku in what it calls the largest single investment in its history. The order was authorised at 448 million euros. Both vessels are due to enter service during 2027. The first, Karhu, was christened a year ago.

The Border Guard says its offshore capability relies significantly on the continuous operation and readiness of its multi-purpose patrol vessels. The new, low-emission and energy-efficient ships are expected to spend about 330 days a year at sea.