Brussels, 02/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) granted three loans to Finland on 21 October. A €150 million loan will fund research, development and innovation (RDI) activities on more environmentally friendly ship engines and power plants in Finland, Italy, Switzerland and several other European countries. A €250 million loan will part-finance a five-year programme to raise capacity, modernise equipment and improve passenger comfort and environmental standards in Helsinki's metro and express bus networks. The loan was granted to HKL, the Finnish capital's urban transport company. The project will be carried out between 2011 and 2016. It comprises new metro trains, automating the metro signalling system, modernising the metro train depot, renovating metro stations and track and construction work and equipment along a 25 km bus rapid transit route. And thirdly, the EIB is to provide up to a maximum of €200 million to the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS). The project will help finance the hospital district's 2010-2013 investment programme, more than two-thirds of which will be carried out at Helsinki Central University Hospital. It consists of renovating and enlarging existing facilities and purchasing and installing advanced medical and other equipment. (OL/transl.rt)