In a significant advancement for the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft and the cruise industry, MSC Cruises has signed a letter of intent to construct four cruise ships, with an option for two additional vessels. This deal is valued at a minimum of €10 billion (approximately US$11.74 billion), ensuring the future of the German shipyard. This marks MSC’s first order with Meyer Werft, as the company continues its aggressive expansion within the cruise sector, currently operating 23 ships and having six large vessels on order in France.
Dubbed the “New Frontier” platform, the new ships will each weigh 180,000 gross tons and accommodate up to 5,400 passengers, with deliveries slated to commence in 2030 and extend through at least 2035. Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman of MSC Cruises’ Supervisory Board, emphasized that this class will facilitate unique itineraries, enhance guest experiences, and incorporate advanced environmental technologies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
German officials and Meyer Werft noted that this order ensures full capacity utilization for the shipyard into the next decade. The yard has also secured orders from Carnival Cruise Line and Disney, further solidifying its position in the cruise market. The announcement took place at the German Economic Ministry, which recently took an 80% stake in Meyer Werft, providing a €2.6 billion credit facility to stabilize the company for a return to private ownership by 2028.
In related news, Meyer Werft is undergoing a management transition. Current CEO Bernd Eikens will step down in mid-2026, with Andre Walter, formerly of Airbus, set to take over as CEO on July 1, 2026. Walter has a strong background in technical and management roles, having joined Airbus in 2006.
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