MSC in Talks Over Possible Investment in Meyer Werft

Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) is reportedly holding discussions over a potential investment in German shipbuilder Meyer Werft.

According to Bloomberg and several German media outlets, MSC is considering acquiring the 80% stake in Meyer Werft currently controlled by Germany’s federal government and the state of Lower Saxony. The Meyer family continues to own the remaining 20%.

Talks are understood to be at an early stage, and neither MSC nor Meyer Werft has officially confirmed that an agreement has been reached.

MSC already has significant ties with the Papenburg-based cruise shipbuilder through its cruise operations. Last December, MSC’s cruise division agreed to order four 180,000 gt New Frontier-class vessels from Meyer Werft, along with options for two additional ships. Deliveries are planned annually beginning in 2030.

In June, Meyer Werft said detailed design work and negotiations relating to the contracts had reached an advanced stage.

While Meyer Werft specializes primarily in building cruise and passenger vessels, the shipyard is also involved in offshore structures, naval auxiliary ships and vessel conversion projects.

A potential investment in Meyer Werft comes as MSC considers another significant European shipyard deal. German defense company Rheinmetall confirmed in May that it was working with MSC on a possible takeover of the bankrupt Mangalia shipyard in Romania.

The proposal would see the Black Sea facility developed into a dual-use shipbuilding hub capable of supporting both commercial and naval construction.

Controlled by the Aponte family, MSC has steadily expanded its interests beyond its core container shipping and cruise businesses in recent years. The group now has operations and investments spanning terminals, logistics, tankers, rail transportation and air cargo.