Blue Economy & Maritime
Shipbuilding in Turku has a heritage dating back to the 18th century, forming the foundation of one of Finland’s most significant maritime hubs. Today, more than 8,000 professionals across over 400 companies drive the region’s maritime excellence, with nearly one‑third of Finland’s maritime industry located in the Turku economic area.
The Turku region is known for building the biggest cruise ships in the world and for developing smart, autonomous ships. Business Turku supports this thriving cluster by fostering close collaboration between companies, research organizations, and public actors to accelerate innovation and sustainable growth.
Our Focus Areas
Shipbuilding & Maritime Industry
Turku is home to one of the world’s largest cruise shipbuilding ecosystems, with more than 400 companies contributing to highly specialized maritime production. Strong collaboration between companies and universities fuels productivity, technological innovation, and competitiveness across the entire maritime value chain.
If you’re looking to grow within one of Europe’s leading maritime hubs, get in touch with us—we’re here to help you connect, innovate, and scale.
Remote‑Controlled & Autonomous Maritime Operations
The region is a leading environment for developing remote‑operated and autonomous maritime technologies. Companies and research institutions work together to create solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in future marine operations.
If your company is exploring new opportunities in smart maritime technologies, reach out to us—we’re here to help you connect with the right partners and accelerate your development.
Blue Economy Hub of the Baltic Sea
Beyond traditional shipbuilding, new areas of the blue economy are strengthening and establishing themselves in Turku. These include innovative marine applications, new business models, and technologies that expand the region’s maritime capabilities and create opportunities for new companies.
If you’re developing solutions for the blue economy of tomorrow, get in touch—we’ll help you find the right partners and pathways to grow in Turku.
Blue economy & maritime in numbers
1,8 B
Value of a cruise ship
1 500+
Companies in the maritime Turku value chain
5
Shipyards in Southwest Finland
11 000
Jobs supported by the Turku shipyard
25M
Redstone Blue Fund focusing on the blue economy
27%
Of industry jobs in Southwest Finland
Our Services
R&D Collaboration & Innovation Facilitation
We help companies collaborate with universities and research organisations to accelerate technological breakthroughs that strengthen maritime competitiveness.
Our role includes supporting innovation investments and adapting promising technologies for maritime use, enabling companies to commercialise new solutions more effectively.
Growth & Internationalisation Support
Business Turku helps maritime companies identify new business opportunities and expand into domestic and global markets through tailored advisory services.
Our support ensures that companies are well prepared to enter international value chains, connect with global shipbuilding networks, and respond to the needs of major maritime buyers.
Ecosystem Networks & Strategic Partnerships
Business Turku builds and maintains extensive networks that connect companies, researchers, and public actors across the maritime cluster.
These partnerships enable knowledge sharing, open new cooperation pathways, and strengthen the Turku region’s position as one of Europe’s leading maritime ecosystems.
Pilot & Development Environments
We help companies access real operating environments and testbeds where new technologies can be piloted, refined, and validated under authentic maritime conditions.
This practical support accelerates product development cycles and boosts the region’s capacity to bring new solutions to market.
Financing & Investment Pathways
Business Turku guides companies toward the right funding instruments, from innovation grants to larger investment pathways that enable growth and internationalisation.
We also help companies prepare for financing rounds and navigate public and private funding opportunities relevant to the maritime sector.
Talent & Skills Development
We work closely with educational institutions and industry partners to strengthen the maritime talent pipeline and ensure companies have access to the expertise they need.
By promoting sector attractiveness and supporting workforce development initiatives, we help secure the skills required for the industry’s long‑term success.
Our Networks and Programmes
Smart Maritime Industry and Transport Network
This network brings together maritime and transport companies alongside regional higher education institutions.
Its purpose is to advance smart maritime solutions and strengthen collaboration within the Turku region’s maritime cluster.
A’Pelago
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Latest from the Turku region
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Companies Shaping the Blue Economy in Turku Region
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Hear it from the industry leaders
Tim Meyer
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“We have a very strong network in Finland – 70% of our turnover comes fro here. There are lots of specialist companies, which means good integration of suppliers.
Strong network is due to the heritage of this region. It’s worthwile to keep this up and growing and it’s one of the main reasons we chose Turku.”
Meyer Turku
Hannu Mäntymaa
VP Voyage Services, Managing Director
“Finland, Including Turku, is an international location with numerous strengths in the maritime sector and technology industries.
Our universities and universities of applied sciences are committed to driving innovation in maritime and decarbonization. Turku is also a vibrant student city, making it an attractive place to live.”
Wärtsilä Finland Oy
Business Turku is here to support your growth in the blue economy and maritime sector.
With a dedicated contact person guiding you from first discussion to long‑term development, you’ll always have a knowledgeable partner by your side. Get in touch and let’s explore how Turku can support your next steps.
