From River Aura to Perno: The 300-Year Evolution of Finnish Shipbuilding

Countries & Cities · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Industrial shipbuilding in Turku began in 1737, yet the industry has constantly reinvented itself to survive. Today, the Perno shipyard stands as a massive hub for cruise ship construction, managed by the German Meyer family. Its journey reflects centuries of shifting ownership, economic crises, and a relentless focus on innovation.

The roots of Turku’s shipbuilding industry trace back to 1737, when merchants Esaias Wechter and Henric Rungeen received a royal license to build ships along the Aura River. They hired Scottish master shipbuilder Robert Fithie to lead operations, establishing a legacy that would eventually evolve into the modern Perno facility. Over the centuries, the site navigated numerous transitions, including the 1882 incorporation into William Crichton’s company and the 1924 merger of Ab Crichton and Ab Vulcan. By the mid-20th century, the yard had become Finland's largest shipbuilder, eventually falling under the ownership of the Karelian iron mill Wärtsilä in 1935.

The shift to the current Perno shipyard began in 1975 under manager Tankmar Horn, who sought to move operations out of the increasingly crowded urban area along the Aura River. This transition was marked by turbulence, including the 1989 bankruptcy of Wärtsilä Marine. The site was subsequently operated by various entities, including Masa-Yards, Kværner, Aker Yards, and STX Corporation. Following a financial crisis at STX in 2012 and the loss of a major Royal Caribbean order to France, the Finnish government intervened to secure a more stable future for the industry. This led to the 2014 acquisition of the Turku yard by the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft.

Today, Meyer Turku operates a sprawling 144-hectare facility in Perno, featuring a 365-metre-long dry dock and a 1,200-tonne capacity gantry crane. The company maintains a diversified structure, owning subsidiaries like Piikkio Works, which specializes in cabin construction, and the engineering firm ENG'nD. While the industry has faced significant challenges—including the closure of the Rauma shipyard in 2013—the current focus remains on high-value cruise ships and cruiseferries. With orders secured for Royal Caribbean through 2036, the yard continues to be a cornerstone of Finnish industrial capability, blending its deep historical heritage with modern engineering demands.

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