The Defense Investment Center (RKIK) has selected four companies. Negotiations with them will focus on pricing. The companies are Estonia's Baltic Workboats, Sweden's SAAB, and Korea's Hanwha and Hyundai.
The Baltic Navy agreed on a common vision 10 years ago. The vision is called the Baltic Navy Vision 2030. The vision remained unfulfilled. In addition, new tasks emerged for the navy.
The project manager of Baltic Workboats said that the new tasks include monitoring the situation at sea and pollution control. Estonia can still deal with mines. But now there are also other tasks.
RKIK sent inquiries to 13 companies from Europe, Turkey, and Korea. Now more detailed inquiries will be sent to the four companies.
Two types of ships are needed. One is a large sea vessel, about 100 meters long. The other is a smaller coastal vessel, 60–80 meters long.
Shipbuilding in Europe is the most expensive. The price can be up to 30% higher than elsewhere. It depends on the company.
The Minister of Defense said that ships should be built in Estonia. However, weapon systems and communication systems cannot be made in Estonia. Estonia plans to ask for prices for both larger and smaller ships.
The head of Baltic Workboats said that heavy industry will remain in Estonia. Estonia has two major shipbuilders – BLRT and BWB. They do not compete but help each other.
External partners will install military systems. Baltic Workboats has worked together with external partners.