Southwest Finland
Meyer Turku's €1.8B turnover (+28% in 2024) anchors 300 years of shipbuilding—8,000 maritime jobs and Royal Caribbean orders through 2036 demonstrate how specialized clusters compound over centuries.
Southwest Finland built Finland's maritime economy around Turku's 300-year shipbuilding tradition. Meyer Turku's €1.8 billion turnover (2024, +28% YoY) and €68.9 million profit demonstrate how specialized manufacturing clusters compound over centuries. The shipyard produces world-class cruise ships for Mediterranean and Caribbean markets; a September 2025 Royal Caribbean partnership secures orders through 2036.
The maritime cluster employs 8,000+ people across 400+ companies—30% of Finnish maritime jobs and revenue concentrate here. Broader cluster value-added reaches €3.8 billion annually (1.8% of national GDP). This represents genuine specialization: Turku doesn't merely participate in shipbuilding; Turku defines Finnish maritime capability.
Innovation focuses on sustainability. Mein Schiff 7, delivered 2023, featured methanol-ready propulsion—the first such cruise ship. NEcOLEAP research brings together companies, universities, and institutes for responsible technology development. The region recognizes that maritime's future requires environmental credibility.
Southwest Finland's island archipelago creates distinctive geography: 20,000 islands extending toward Åland. This fragmented landscape historically enabled maritime livelihood; today it attracts tourism and supports ferry networks connecting Finland to Sweden. Geography shaped industry; industry shapes regional identity.