Kingberg to Supply Kamewa Waterjets for 17 Jumbo-Class Landing Craft for Finnish Navy

Experts in aluminum vessel construction, Marine Alutech first developed the Watercat® M12 Jumbo-class landing craft in the 1990s. Capable of speeds exceeding 35 knots, the fast and agile 14-meter craft can be equipped with a pair of Kongberg Kamewa FF375 aluminum waterjets and a compact Jet Control System. The FF375 waterjets for this project will feature a customized inlet duct to enhance the performance characteristics of the original Jumbo-class, integrated with the Finnish Navy more than 20 years ago. Since the delivery of the first Jumbo-class, Kongberg’s waterjets and control systems have undergone significant evolution. The new landing craft will feature the electronic Jet Control System, replacing the original mechanical-hydraulic system.

Magnus Fahlén, Senior Vice President of Waterjets at Marine Alutech, said, “Marine Alutech is once again proud to be supplying our highly-efficient waterjets to Marine Alutech. We’ve worked with the company for more than 30 years as they have evolved into one of the leading builders of fast, agile military and specialist craft. The Jumbo-class has a proven track record with the Finnish Navy, and this latest order for 17 will bolster the capabilities of its coastal armored forces.”

The agreement was signed at DSEI 2023 in London. From left: Matti Määttälä, Sales Manager, Waterjets, Kongsberg Maritime; Niko Haro, CEO, Marine Alutech; and Esa Liest, SVP Sales & Marketing, Kongsberg Maritime.

Niko Haro, CEO of Marine Alutech, said, “Our long-term cooperation with Kongsberg Kamewa waterjets has proven its importance when selling new vessels. It contributes to the performance, fuel efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of our customer requirements and technical solutions contribute to the performance, fuel efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of our customer requirements and technical solutions. These are values which Marine Alutech and Kongsberg Maritime Finland have shared for over 400 deliveries to customers worldwide.”

With the Finnish Navy, cooperation has continued over three decades, with over 100 vessels delivered, of which Watercat® M12-class aluminum accounts for more than 50 units. Latest developments include improvements to the vessel’s control system and further adaptability, expected to cope even higher reliability in the harsh conditions of the Baltic Sea region.

The Jumbo-class is a low-draft design suited to amphibious assaults in shallow waters and thanks to the Kamewa waterjet propulsion system, it can come to a complete stop from top speeds of over 35 knots in just one ship length. The compact Jet Control System provides accurate and rapid operation for steering and reversing, enhancing the vessel’s maneuverability even in tight spaces. Typical applications include naval craft, search and rescue boats, pilot boats, work boats, and pleasure boats. More than 1,500 FF375 waterjets have been supplied to customers around the world.

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