Karl WP Beyer December 13, 2025 - According to multiple media reports, the Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT shipyard is on the verge of a major order from the Swiss cruise line MSC Cruises. The order is reportedly for the construction of four cruise ships – a package that could secure the shipyard's capacity utilization until 2036. The federal government and the state of Lower Saxony plan to present the plans together with the companies involved in Berlin on Monday.
MEYER WERFT - Papenburg - Prefabrication
There was no official confirmation of the order initially. Reports mention a price of around one billion euros per ship – the total volume could therefore reach several billion euros.
MEYER WERFT- Papenburg - Component of the Genting Dream
For MEYER WERFT, the deal would send an important signal, following the stabilization of the company by the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony just over a year ago, each acquiring a 40 percent stake. The long-term goal remains to consolidate the shipyard's economic viability by 2028; furthermore, job cuts in Papenburg through a voluntary severance program are under consideration.
At the same time, MEYER WERFT announced a change in leadership: André Walter, most recently in a senior position at Airbus, will take over as CEO on July 1, 2026. Bernd Eikens is stepping down as planned and at his own request. The Meyer Group also includes the Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock and Meyer Turku Oy in Turku, Finland.
