Finnish Expertise at the Heart of a Major U.S. Shipbuilding Training Initiative - SAMK, WinNova, and RMC Join the $5.8M NEXTSEAS Project
The four-year NEXTSEAS (Next Era Xceptional Technology for Shipbuilding and Education in Americas’ Seas) initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, combines Finnish shipbuilding excellence with U.S. industry needs to form a new international training and cooperation model. Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) serves as the project’s lead implementer, with Bollinger Shipyard as the other U.S. partner.
SAMK is responsible for coordinating the Finnish activities. SAMK leads the creation of a “Train-the-Trainer” model and contributes expertise in engineering, robotics, automation, and Arctic maritime leadership. “NEXTSEAS builds a strong platform for transatlantic cooperation and strengthens workforce renewal and competitiveness in the sector,” says NEXTSEAS SAMK project manager and team Finland coordinator Minna Keinänen-Toivola.
WinNova develops and delivers practical shipbuilding training content. “Together with NEXTSEAS partners, we are designing a world-class training curriculum for future shipbuilders with focus areas including welding, machining, electrical systems, rigging, and safety,” says WinNova’s Head of Technical Education, Teija Tiirikka.
RMC offers an authentic shipyard environment where trainees can learn to construct advanced Arctic and specialty vessels. “We are proud to provide our live shipyard and Arctic shipbuilding expertise to the NEXTSEAS programme. This project enables concrete skills transfer through hands-on work and close cooperation,” says RMC’s Business Director Sami Sohlberg.
Building the Shipbuilders of Tomorrow
The NEXTSEAS project aims to develop an internationally recognized shipbuilding training model and sustainable career pathways into the U.S. shipyard industry. The initiative combines Finnish shipbuilding excellence, education systems, and research infrastructure with U.S. industrial scale. The project started in January 2026 and will run for four years.
Contact
Minna Keinänen-Toivola
Project Manager, Finland Coordinator
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK)
NEXTSEAS SAMK project manager and team Finland coordinator
minna.keinanen-toivola@samk.fi
+358447103063
NEXTSEAS Project Partners, background information
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) is a multidisciplinary university of applied sciences with strong expertise in maritime logistics, shipping, shipbuilding technology, and Arctic operations.
www.samk.fi | www.merilogistiikka.fi
Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy WinNova is a comprehensive vocational education provider responsible for practical shipbuilding training and has strong competence in maritime vocational education.
www.winnova.fi
Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) is a leading Northern European shipyard specializing in ice-class and technologically advanced vessels.
https://rmcfinland.fi/en/
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is one of the oldest maritime academies in the United States, with decades of experience educating professionals for careers in shipping, defense, and the energy sector.
www.maritime.edu
Bollinger Shipyards is one of the largest privately owned shipbuilding companies in the United States.
https://www.bollingershipyards.com/
Further Information
U.S. Department of Labor – NEXTSEAS Grant Announcement:
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ilab/ilab20260108
HigherGov Grant Overview:
https://www.highergov.com/grant/26K75IL000030/#activity_timeline
