Genting outlines German newbuilding yard plan

The new MV Werften (MV stands for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in east Germany) will group the Wismar, Stralsund and Rostock-Warnemünde facilities of the former Nordic Yards, bought by Genting in April. The move appears to supercede the creation just a few months ago by Genting of a new Lloyd Werft Group in Bremerhaven around the newly acquired LWB and including all four yards.

Since then LWB has been regarded as the management and design hub of the new group as well as one of the locations for cruise ship newbuilding. A design centre with 250 staff was opened in Bremerhaven in May by Genting officials and Weser authorities are investing in revamped newbuilding facilities.

The new MV Werften will have its base in Wismar – some 200km east of LWB – while LWB “will focus on its prior business of repairs and conversion”, and “strengthen its ability to build mega yachts”.

The news was welcomed by officials in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but LWB Works Council head Daniel Müller told reporters it was “a disaster for Bremerhaven”. Bremen economics and ports senator Martin Günther expressed “complete incomprehension” regarding the move, and cast doubt on whether authorities would now go ahead with investment of €30 million in revamping quay facilities in Bremerhaven to meet newbuilding needs.