On December 15, 2025, MSC Cruises announced a major new order for four next-generation cruise vessels and two additional options from MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany, marking the launch of its “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, Energy Minister-President Lower Saxony Olaf Lies, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, and MEYER WERFT CEO Dr. Bernd Eikens.
With a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400 and approximately 180,000 gross tons, 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 honored 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.”
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.
A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.
MEYER WERFT, headquartered in Papenburg, Germany, is one of the world’s leading shipyards and renowned for building advanced cruise ships and special-purpose vessels. Founded in 1795, the company with private and state-owned shareholders combines centuries of shipbuilding expertise with technological innovation.
Notably, On December 12, Meyer Werft announced via its official website that the Supervisory Board of Meyer Werft has appointed André Walter as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his appointment to take effect on July 1, 2026.
André Walter began his career in 2006, holding a series of technical and management positions at Airbus Group successively. He was once responsible for leading the operations of Airbus sites in Bremen and Hamburg; since 2022, he has served as Chairman of the Management Board of Airbus Aerostructures Hamburg GmbH and Airbus Deutschland GmbH.
Over the past two years, Meyer Werft has faced a severe financial crisis, primarily due to its order backlog. This stems from the industry practice where cruise ship owners typically pay only a 20% down payment when ordering new vessels, with the remaining 80% of construction costs settled upon delivery. This necessitates shipyards maintaining substantial capital reserves to cover upfront construction expenses. However, although Meyer Werft has been able to secure cruise ship orders, it lacks sufficient funds to cover these upfront costs, plunging it into a deep financial crisis.
Data shows that Meyer Werft has more than 3,000 employees in the Papenburg area alone (where Meyer shipyard’s headquarters are located), and nearly 20,000 other jobs in the region depend directly or indirectly on the shipyard.
Therefore, given the significant role of Meyer Werft in Germany’s shipbuilding industry and regional economy, the German federal government and the state government of Lower Saxony decided to intervene to save this century-old shipyard. In September 2024, they proposed a rescue plan to safeguard tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Specifically, the German federal government and the Lower Saxony state government jointly invested €400 million to acquire 80.8% of the shares of the Meyer shipyard, with the federal government and the state government each contributing approximately €200 million. Meyer will also receive loan guarantees worth over €2 billion. This means that with the completion of the equity transaction, Meyer has become a German state-owned enterprise and has successfully weathered the bankruptcy crisis.
However, the government guarantee is reportedly valid until 2027, and the Meyer family, as owners of the shipyard, retain the right to repurchase shares before 2028. The family is expected to hold approximately a 20% stake in the coming years. This also implies that Meyer Werft will achieve stable operations around 2028.