Blue Economy & Maritime
Turku is known for building some of the world’s most advanced and largest cruise ships, as well as for developing smart and autonomous vessels. The region is also home to a rapidly growing blue‑economy ecosystem that is becoming the leading hub in the Baltic Sea area.
Turku’s shipbuilding tradition, dating back to the 1700s, has created the foundation for one of Finland’s most significant maritime industry clusters.
Business Turku promotes close collaboration between companies, research organisations, and public actors to accelerate innovation and support sustainable growth across the sector.
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
The Turku region is strengthening its blue‑economy cluster, led by A’Pelago, the Baltic Sea region’s foremost blue‑economy ecosystem. The area is home to the Redstone Blue Fund, a fund dedicated to financing companies in the blue‑economy sector. Through marine‑related solutions, the blue economy in Turku creates a cleaner future — for the Baltic Sea and for waters around the world.
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
5
Shipyards in Southwest Finland
25 M€
Redstone Blue Fund focusing on the blue economy
1,5 K
Companies in the maritime Turku value chain
11 K
Jobs supported by the Turku shipyard
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.
The network’s purpose is to advance smart maritime solutions and strengthen collaboration within the Turku region’s maritime cluster.
A’Pelago
A’Pelago is the leading blue‑economy ecosystem in the Baltic Sea region.
A’Pelago accelerates the development of the blue economy by bringing together growth companies, investors, researchers, large corporations, and other key stakeholders within the same ecosystem. The shared mission: to restore the oceans to a healthy state.
Industry-Specific Premises
Blue Industry Park
Blue Industry Park is a growing production and innovation cluster next to the Turku Shipyard, bringing together companies in maritime and advanced manufacturing.
Designed to become one of Europe’s leading hubs in its field, the area offers modern facilities, strong logistics connections, and a collaborative environment that supports continuous development, new investments, and long‑term competitiveness.
Latest from the Turku region
Business Turku is here to support your growth in the blue economy and maritime sector, free of charge!
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 Business Turku and Turku region can support your next steps.
