German shipbuilder Meyer Werft scores major order from MSC Cruises

Meyer Werft, the German shipbuilder rescued by the state a year ago, is set to receive a major new order from Swiss cruise operator MSC Cruises, people familiar with the matter told dpa on Friday.

The order, which is due to be presented on Monday by the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony alongside the companies involved, would cover four cruise ships and secure the shipyard’s capacity utilization through 2036, the sources said.

Germany's Economy Ministry had invited media to a press conference in Berlin on Monday on the "future of Meyer Werft" without providing further details.

Those expected to attend include Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, Lower Saxony Premier Olaf Lies, Meyer Werft’s chief executive and the chairman of MSC Cruises’ supervisory board.

The federal government and the state of Lower Saxony stepped in to rescue the financially troubled shipyard just over a year ago, each acquiring a 40% stake. The rescue package totalled €400 million ($470 million).

Former German chancellor Olaf Scholz described the shipyard ahead of the rescue as an “industrial crown jewel.”

"The Meyer shipyard is an asset that we must not and will not give up," he said last year.

According to German media reports, the price for a cruise ship is around €1 billion ($1.1 billion).

Management change announced

Earlier on Friday, the company announced that its supervisory board has appointed André Walter as its new chief executive from July 1, 2026. He will succeed Bernd Eikens, who is stepping down as planned and at his own request, the company said. Walter joins from aircraft manufacturer Airbus.