Shipbuilder receives millions in funding to build a climate-neutral cruise ship
The shipbuilding company Meyer Turku announced that Business Finland has selected it as the recipient of the initial funding of EUR 20 million for the construction of a climate-neutral cruise ship, which will be completed by 2025.
The funding was provided as part of the EU-backed NECOLEAP project, a German-owned company that aims to promote innovative and sustainable solutions in the maritime and cruise industry.
The company, which operates the yard in Southwest Finland, added that its goal was to make the yard completely carbon-neutral by 2030, and the goal, together with the climate-friendly vessel, would cost about 100 million euros.
The final price tag for the project is estimated to rise to EUR 100 million, of which EUR 20 million will come from Business Finland and EUR 30 million from Meyer Turku. Business Finland has also set aside the remaining EUR 50 million to finance other participants.
According to Meyer Turku, the NECOLEAP project brings together companies, research institutes and universities to develop new technologies and solutions that will secure the future competitiveness of the Finnish shipbuilding industry.
ccording to the company, the project will create an estimated 9,500 new jobs and increase the company’s turnover by one billion euros, which is significant for Finnish exports, according to the company’s press release.
"Meyer Turku has already established a solid partnership network, but thanks to the funding received by the project, we can openly expand our horizons to find the most innovative solutions and new ways of working. Only in this way can we stand out from the growing competition in the maritime sector," deputy director of the company Tapani Pulli said.
The company said many potential participants have already shown interest in participating in the project.