Andres Laasma, the director of the Estonian State Maritime Fleet, reported that the received bids accurately reflect the current conditions of the European shipbuilding market. He stated that shipbuilding volumes in Europe have significantly increased in recent years, indicating a high level of activity within the sector. The negotiations with shipbuilders related to the tender revealed that the budget set by the state, amounting to 41.9 million euros, presents a decent challenge for the shipyards, which is evidenced by the number of submitted bids.

Currently, the government has two bids on the table, both from reputable shipbuilders known for their construction quality. Laasma expressed confidence in their capabilities, indicating there is no reason to doubt the construction quality of these firms. However, he mentioned that it is still too early to draw conclusions about the outcome of the tender, as the bids are currently undergoing compliance checks to verify that they meet the specifications outlined by the government.

This situation highlights the growing competitiveness in the European shipbuilding sector, and the interest from reputable companies in collaborating with the Estonian government may suggest a healthy future for domestic maritime projects. The compliance verification process will be crucial in determining the next steps for the ferry construction project, ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and responsibly in line with the state's maritime strategy.