About us

About us

Helsinki Shipyard is the global leader in icebreakers and specialized vessels for the most demanding commercial and governmental customers.

Located in central Helsinki and backed by more than 160 years of maritime heritage, we continue to shape the future of specialized and Arctic shipbuilding. Our world‑class design and engineering know-how, advanced systems integration, and disciplined project execution to deliver highly customized vessels on time and on budget is one of a kind. This includes cruise ships, yachts and naval vessels for both government and commercial customers.

Inocea

Inocea Group

We are part of the Inocea Group, a privately owned international marine industrial group co owned by Alex Vicefield, Chairman and CEO, and James Davies, President, CFO and founding partner. The group operates in Canada, the United States and Finland and is headquartered in the United Kingdom.

In Finland, Inocea Group’s operations cover Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki and Sata Shipbuilding in Pori, which together form a single, integrated shipbuilding platform, focused on high complexity, specialized vessels for demanding marine environments. Together, our operations in Helsinki and Pori enable true end‑to‑end delivery— from design and engineering to production, outfitting, and final handover.

Milestones

A Legacy of Icebreaker Innovation

  • 2026

    Start of construction of the Arctic Security Cutters, the first U.S. governmental vessels built outside of Unites States

  • 2025

    Start of construction of Polar Max, one of the world’s most powerful diesel-electric icebreakers

  • 2016

    Delivery of Polaris. Powered by both diesel and LNG, reducing emissions and fuel costs, it is the first LNG-powered icebreaker in the world.

  • 2014

    World’s first oblique icebreaker

  • 1994

    World’s first icebreaker with Azipod propulsion units (developed with ABB)

  • 1988

    World’s first nuclear icebreaker built outside Russia. Welding procedures for extra high tensile steel materials. The nuclear reactors were installed in St. Petersburg

  • 1986

    World’s first icebreaker with diesel-electric power plant AC-AC with cycloconverters

  • 1975

    World’s first icebreaker designed by ice model tests. Developed new high tensile steel for low temperature use

  • 1974

    World’s most powerful diesel electric Icebreaker

  • 1969

    World’s first icebreaking vessel with air bubbling system. World’s first commercial ice model test laboratory

  • 1960

    World’s largest and most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker

  • 1954

    First four screw diesel-electric Icebreaker

Our facility

Helsinki Shipyard facility

  • Assembly hall

    The assembly hall supports block fabrication and advanced heavy welding, providing flexibility for project requirements and production schedules.

  • Covered dry dock

    The covered dry dock measures 280 meters in length and 33 meters in width.

    The largest covered dry dock in Northern Europe is the crown jewel of Helsinki Shipyards facilities. The drydock’s intermediate gate system makes work on parallel projects possible.

  • Outfitting hall

    The outfitting hall can accommodate up to five blocks at the same time, supporting parallel work phases and efficient project flow.

  • Office building, terminal and workshops

    The facility brings together office space, storage, and outfitting and commissioning workshops, while the terminal provides direct access to vessels at the outfitting quay. The office is located close to production, enabling efficient collaboration between design, engineering, and production teams.

  • Outfitting workshop & Welding Academy

    The dedicated workshop for pipe and steel outfitting supports high internal quality standards, shortens lead times, and improves overall project execution. The Welding Academy strengthens in-house welding expertise through certification, test welds, and continuous skills development.

  • Quay

    The shipyard’s quays support outfitting for vessels up to 280 meters in length. Up to five vessels can be moored simultaneously across the four quays.

  • Paint chamber

    Helsinki Shipyard operates four paint chambers: three for blocks and one for outfitting.

Leadership

Team

Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding are managed by a joint leadership team. With deep experience in complex industrial programs, Arctic shipbuilding, and international operations, the team is responsible for translating Inocea Group’s long-term strategy into disciplined execution across Finland.

  • Mika Heiskanen CEO

    With around 20 years of experience in the shipbuilding industry, Mika has held senior leadership positions across ship design, production, newbuild programs and shipyard operations in Finland and internationally. He leads Helsinki Shipyard, Sata Shipbuilding, and Inocea’s operations in Finland, and is responsible for operations and strategic growth across the organization.

  • Ville Korpela COO

    Ville has more than 15 years of experience in naval architecture, ship design and shipbuilding, and has held technical, project management and commercial roles at Helsinki Shipyard. As COO, he leads operations across Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding.

  • Jussi Lehtinen Sales & Marketing

    With 20 years of experience in the Finnish shipbuilding and maritime industry, Jussi has held a variety of project management, sales and leadership roles across newbuilding and marine technology businesses. He leads Helsinki Shipyard’s and Sata Shipbuilding’s shared sales organization, supporting the development and delivery of complex shipbuilding programs and customer projects.

  • Anne Avento-Krapf People & Culture

    Anne has led HR functions at Helsinki Shipyard since 2015. With extensive experience in human resources leadership across industrial and manufacturing environments, she oversees people, culture and organizational development, supporting Helsinki Shipyard’s and Sata Shipbuilding’s growth and workforce development.

  • Petri Nousiainen Strategic Operations

    With more than 20 years of experience at Helsinki Shipyard, Petri has held a variety of project management and planning roles across complex shipbuilding programs. He leads strategic planning activities, overseeing project schedules, budgets and execution, and plays a key role in ensuring vessels are delivered on time and on budget in line with Helsinki Shipyard’s commitment to its customers.

  • Minna Ilveskoski CFO

    With extensive finance leadership experience in international industrial and project-based businesses, Minna has held senior roles at Cargotec, ABB Marine, Evac Group, and Norsepower. Throughout her career, she has built deep expertise in the maritime sector, supporting business growth, complex projects, and strategic decision-making. She oversees both Helsinki Shipyard’s and Sata Shipbuilding’s finance and reporting.

  • Christel Nokkala Legal

    With extensive experience in corporate law, M&A and transaction advisory, Christel leads Helsinki Shipyard’s and Sata Shipbuilding’s, legal team. She oversees legal matters supporting the organization’s strategic development and business operations.

  • Antti Leino Public Affairs & Communication

    With a background in public affairs, stakeholder engagement and public policy, Antti has held senior advisory and leadership roles across government, labor market organizations and advocacy. Antti leads the public affairs and communication engagements across Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding, supporting key stakeholders and the company's strategic priorities across Finland and internationally.

  • Atte Leskinen Strategic Operations

    With a background in strategy execution, business development and investor relations, Atte has worked across industrial and technology-driven businesses, supporting growth, transformation and strategic planning initiatives. Atte’s areas cover strategic development and growth execution across Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding.

  • Niko Suomela Integration

    Niko has extensive leadership experience in industrial operations, organizational development and business transformation, and has led companies and teams through growth, integration and change across multiple industries. In his integration role he is responsible for strengthening collaboration between Helsinki Shipyard and Sata Shipbuilding, developing common processes and ways of working, and supporting the integration of the two shipyards into a more unified and efficient organization.