According to a report by Cruise Industry News, STX Europe subsidiary, STX Finland could be sold to German shipbuilder, Meyer Werft, in the near future.
The original report states the news of a sale is merely a rumor, but Meyer Werft has now confirmed the company is actively involved in negotiations with STX Europe and the Finnish government over the STX Finland subsidiary and the Turku yard. A statement released by Meyer Werft reads, “The consortium has now reached meaningful progress on the main terms of the transaction. However, there are a still a number of open issues that need to be solved, including a number of discussions and agreements to be concluded with other stakeholders.”
If the deal is eventually struck, Meyer Werft would essentially double in size and capture a large share of the ship building market. The acquisition of the yard would also bring the construction of Mein Schiff 4 under the control of Meyer Werft. Currently, Meyer Weft operates a sole yard in Papenburg, Germany, located just off of the river Ems. At the moment, the yard is in full production mode, constructing new ships for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Rumors are also circulating that a deal between the Finnish government and Meyer Werft over STX Finland could bring a number of prototype orders to the Turku yard. The most notable prototype is a rumored 200,000 GRT new build for Norwegian Cruise Line. In addition, those involved in the deal expect Meyer Werft to announce new orders from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity for the Papenburg yard in the near future.
Meyer Werft is one of four major cruise ship yards in the world, competing alongside Fincantieri, STX, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
