MSC considers acquiring stake in German shipbuilder Meyer Werft

Swiss container liner MSC has entered preliminary discussions to acquire an approximately 80.73 per cent stake in German shipbuilder Meyer Werft. The interest currently held by the German Federal Government and the Lower Saxony State Government was acquired for €400 million (US$460 million) during a 2024 restructuring effort.

If the deal is finalized, MSC would take control of Meyer Werft’s facilities in Papenburg and Rostock. The Meyer family would likely retain the remaining 20 per cent of the company. The discussions are in early stages, and there is no guarantee an agreement will be reached, as other potential bidders may emerge.

Meyer Werft faced significant financial difficulties following the Covid-19 pandemic due to supply chain disruptions, decreased orders, and rising costs linked to inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The shipyard currently maintains a relationship with MSC as a provider, having recently agreed to build several new-generation cruise ships scheduled for delivery starting in 2030.