Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is reportedly holding talks over a possible investment in Meyer Werft, the German shipbuilder best known for constructing large cruise ships.
According to Bloomberg and several German media outlets, MSC is considering acquiring the 80% stake in Meyer Werft currently held by Germany’s federal government and the state of Lower Saxony. The Meyer family retains the remaining 20%.
The discussions are reportedly at an early stage. Neither MSC nor Meyer Werft has officially confirmed a potential transaction, and the final terms of any investment remain unknown.
The German authorities acquired their controlling stake in Meyer Werft in 2024 as part of a financial support package. The federal government and Lower Saxony invested approximately €400 million to secure the shipyard’s future and support the delivery of its existing orderbook.
MSC already has a significant relationship with the Papenburg-based shipyard. In December 2025, MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft signed an agreement covering four New Frontier-class cruise ships, with options for two additional vessels.
The ships will have a gross tonnage of approximately 180,000 GT and capacity for up to 5,400 passengers. Annual deliveries are expected to begin in 2030. Meyer Werft said in June that detailed design work and contract negotiations were at an advanced stage.
Meyer Werft primarily specialises in cruise and passenger ships. The company is also involved in offshore structures, naval auxiliary vessels and ship conversion projects.
The potential investment comes as MSC explores another major European shipyard transaction. German defence group Rheinmetall has confirmed that it is working with MSC on a possible takeover of the bankrupt Mangalia shipyard in Romania. The partners are considering transforming the Black Sea facility into a dual-use hub for commercial and naval shipbuilding.
Acquiring a stake in Meyer Werft would mark another step in MSC’s expansion beyond container and cruise shipping. The group has already developed interests in port terminals, logistics, tankers, rail transport and air cargo.
