Finnish company Marine Alutech secures major order from Malaysia for Watercat boats

Marine Alutech, a Finnish company based in Teijo that manufactures aluminum government vessels, has secured a significant order from Asia. The company is set to deliver five nearly 20-meter Watercat 2000 boats to Geliga Slipway, a shipbuilding firm in Malaysia. The boat components are manufactured in Teijo and Salo, with assembly taking place in Malaysia. This marks the first trade with this shipyard in 15 years. According to Niko Haro, the chairman and sales manager, the past collaboration was pivotal as it opened export markets beyond the Baltic Sea.

Haro noted that the distance of 11,000 kilometers from Teijo to Malaysia enhances the perceived significance of this deal, demonstrating that their products are effective in tropical conditions and on vast oceans. The Malaysian boats are intended for border control and search and rescue missions, capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots, or nearly 100 kilometers per hour. Similar vessels are also being supplied to Greece and Denmark.

While the price paid by the Malaysian customer remains undisclosed, Haro stated that Marine Alutech has sold similar boats to others for between 3 and 4 million euros each.

After a quiet period during the pandemic, where only pre-existing orders were fulfilled, 2023 has brought a turnaround, tripling Marine Alutech’s revenue to 16.5 million euros. Global tensions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Finland’s NATO membership, have influenced the market for governmental vessels. Currently, Marine Alutech is in negotiations and tenders with eleven NATO countries, indicating future projects through to 2028. The company aims to hire around 20 new employees in production, design, and project management, growing its current workforce of 99 in Teijo and 104 company-wide.