MSC Cruises announced a new order for four next-generation cruise vessels and two additional options from Meyer Werft in Papenburg marking the launch of its new “New Frontier” platform - a brand-new class of ships.
The order will secure full capacity at the
shipyard well into the next decade.
The announcement was made today at the Federal
Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin by Federal Minister for
Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche and Energy Minister-President Lower Saxony,
Olaf Lies, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and Meyer Werft’s
CEO Dr. Bernd Eikens.
With a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400 and
approximately 180,000 gross tonnes, the “New Frontier” ships will be delivered
annually starting in 2030.
This order represents a decisive boost for the
regional economy. It secures thousands of jobs in Germany, particularly in
Lower Saxony and Papenburg, where Meyer Werft is a cornerstone employer and
sustains work for the shipyard’s extensive supplier network.
More than 3,200 people are directly employed
at MEYER WERFT, with over 20,000 jobs in the wider region linked to its
operations.
With delivery schedules stretching into the
2030’s, the agreement reinforces Papenburg’s role as a strategic hub for global
cruise shipbuilding and ensures continuity for one of Europe’s most advanced
maritime manufacturing ecosystems.
Pierfrancesco
Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “Meyer Werft’s track record,
expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding.
Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while
preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime
engineering. The New Frontier class will enable us to design new and exclusive
itineraries, offer exceptional guest experience and will feature
next-generation environmental technologies that will advance our net-zero 2050
commitment.”
Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft said:
“This new order marks a significant milestone in the 230-year history of MEYER
WERFT. We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic
partner, and we are truly honoured by the trust they have placed in us. This
long-term partnership with MSC Cruises ensures sustainable growth and job
security for many years to come. Today is a truly positive and significant day
for everyone at Meyer Werft—our employees and our partners alike.” -TradeArabia News Service
