Finnish Minelayer Undergoes Midlife Refit

Minelayer vessel Pansio has been fully refitted and handed over to the Finnish Navy, following a midlife upgrade carried out by ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Finland Oy (AEFI ) together with Uki Workboat Oy (Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy) as a subcontractor.

Pansio is the first of three Pansio-class minelayers, including Porkkala and Pyhäranta, to undergo refit which aims to extend the use of the ships well into the 2030s.

The machinery, satellite communications and light weapons systems required for the minelayers were purchased from abroad since there is no Finnish manufacturer. The basic functions of the minelayers have been maintained or developed in the refitting. After refitting, the minelayers are even more capable of supporting light naval and amphibious units, since their efficiency in fuel and water replenishment, as well as waste water uptake, has significantly improved.

“All the work required for the refitting was done in Finland,” said Jaakko Savisaari, CEO of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK Finland. “We have already had significant joint projects with the Finnish Navy and Border Guard. During these previous projects we have built up a considerable amount of know-how in Finland.”

AEFI has previously delivered systems technology to Hamina class missile boats of the Finnish Navy. They have also delivered an integrated navigation and mission management system to the offshore patrol vessel Turva of the Finnish Border Guard. This system has raised wide interest in the field, also internationally.