Finnish Border Guard seeks contractor to maintain eastern border fence

Finland’s Border Guard is seeking a contractor to maintain the eastern border fence in South-East Finland and North Karelia, Yle reports. The work covers about 200 kilometres of fence and 284 kilometres of access roads.

The contract includes road ploughing and gritting, repairs to the fence and gates, maintenance of ditches and bridges, and clearing fallen trees. It also requires round-the-clock readiness to respond to maintenance needs.

The Border Guard intends to appoint one main contractor, which may use subcontractors for different tasks and locations. Work will begin once the contract is signed. The agency may also carry out some tasks itself, including clearing trees, repairing the fence and conducting inspections.

No external contractor is being sought for the fence in Kainuu or Lapland for now. The Border Guard says maintenance in those regions may be handled in-house.

Some damage has already occurred, including from trees that fell from the Russian side. Minor damage caused by animals has also been reported where animal gates have been kept closed for extended periods because of African swine fever. The Border Guard says there has been no vandalism.

Companies bidding for the contract must meet strict security requirements, including security clearance and a confidentiality commitment. The final cost will be determined after the tender process.