GE to Provide LM2500 Gas Turbines for Finnish Navy’s New Multipurpose Corvettes

GE Marine announced it has received a contract from Rauma Marine Constructions, Rauma, Finland, to provide four LM2500 marine gas turbines.

These GE engines will power four new Pohjanmaa-class multipurpose corvettes being built as part of the Finnish Navy’s Squadron 2020 Project.

“The LM2500s will be equipped with GE’s new composite gas turbine module which was of particular interest for this application. The new enclosure offers a significant reduction in weight over its steel predecessor, and most importantly, a safer environment and improved access for sailors,” said GE’s Kris Shepherd, Vice President, General Manager, Marine Operations.

Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are designed for year-round service in the seasonally freezing Baltic Sea, and will have the ability to operate independently in ice. Each 3,900-ton corvette will feature one GE LM2500 gas turbine in a Combined Diesel eLectric And Gas turbine (CODLAG) configuration to reach speed in excess of 26 knots. GE also will provide a full complement of gas turbine auxiliary systems including electric start and water mist firefighting systems, fuel forward and water wash skids, and controls.

The LM2500 gas turbines will be made in the U.S.A. at GE’s manufacturing facility in Evendale, Ohio. Construction of the corvettes by the shipyard is slated to begin in 2022; all ships are expected to be delivered to the Finnish Navy by 2026 and fully operational in 2028.