Arctia Ltd selected as the management company for the marine research vessel Aranda
The operation of Aranda is essential to ensuring the continuity of environmental data produced by the Finnish Environment Institute. The vessel carries out regular monitoring cruises and research expeditions that provide critical data for assessing the environmental status of the Baltic Sea and tracking its development. In this context, Aranda contributes to Finland’s comprehensive security and environmental preparedness.
The agreement builds a strong foundation for long-term cooperation between Syke and Arctia Ltd. Arctia’s professional ship management and experience in demanding maritime operations create the conditions for smooth, high-quality, and reliable monitoring voyages year-round. In addition, the cost efficiency achieved through the tender supports the responsible and effective use of public funds.
According to Tero Eklin, Director of Research Infrastructures at the Finnish Environment Institute, Arctia is a welcome partner for the Finnish Environment Institute. “The demand for high quality data on the Baltic Sea is increasing. For us at Syke, it is essential that research and monitoring tasks can be carried out with high quality and safety. The open-ended agreement brings the desired continuity and opportunities for long term development together with Arctia.”
“The agreement also enables broader utilisation of Aranda’s multi-purpose capabilities, as Arctia will have the opportunity tto charter the vessel for its own use when it is not engaged in research or monitoring activities. This will improve Aranda's utilisation rate and cost efficiency. In the future, Aranda is also intended to be used as a technological infrastructure platform for the development of marine technologies,” says Tero Eklin.
“Winning the ship management contract for Aranda further strengthens Arctia’s role as part of Finland’s maritime security of supply,” says Maunu Visuri, CEO of Arctia Ltd. “The agreement ensures that this nationally important research vessel can be operated reliably and efficiently in all conditions. We look forward to long-term cooperation with Syke and the opportunity to promote Baltic Sea research and the continuity of environmental data.”
The agreement between the Finnish Environment Institute and Arctia Ltd on ship management and crewing services was signed on 30 March 2026. It will enter into force on 1 June 2026 and will remain valid until further notice.
