In a landmark deal, MSC Cruises branched out to Germany's Meyer Werft to order four next-generation vessels of a new design. The order comes with two options.
The approximately 180,000gt ships, with maximum capacity 5,400 passengers each, are to be delivered annually starting in 2030.
The price was not disclosed but Bloomberg put the value at €10b.
High-level announcement
The announcement was made Monday 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 CEO Bernd Eikens.
Adds to four newbuilds in France
MSC Cruises for years has built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique, where it still has orders for four ships through 2030.
“Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding," Vago said. "Together, we will create vessels that redefine the cruise experience while preserving the craftsmanship that keeps Germany at the forefront of maritime engineering."
Vago continued: "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.”
Significant milestone for Meyer
The business is particularly important for Meyer Werft, which has been undergoing government-supported restructuring.
“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 honored by the trust they have placed in us," Eikens said.
"This long-term partnership with MSC Cruises ensures sustainable growth and job security for many years to come."
Shipyard and supplier jobs
The order will secure thousands of jobs in Germany, particularly in Lower Saxony and Papenburg, where Meyer Werft is a cornerstone employer and sustains work for an extensive supplier network. More than 3,200 people are directly employed at Meyer Werft, with more than 20,000 jobs in the wider region linked to its operations.
Tags: MSC Cruises