P+S to resume work at Stralsund

Speaking at a meeting of creditors and the creditor committee, Dr Brinkmann explained that work at the Peene shipyard in Wolgast had continued uninterrupted, the insolvency situation meant an almost 11-week-long break at the Volkswerft yard. He said that the agreement concerning the two special ro-ro vessels for DFDS has now been signed, but is still subject to approval.

“Because we believe approval will be granted, I’ve called on the operating company, Stralsunder Schiffbaugesellschaft, to take the appropriate steps to initiate production at the Volkswerft Stralsund. Which means the shipyard will be up and running again. By placing another order, DFDS has quite clearly shown its confidence in the employees’ shipbuilding skills,” said Dr Brinkmann.

The resumption of work on the two 195m long ships has been aided by a guarantee provided in November 2012 by the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, worth in the region of €43.5 million. The two ro-pax ferries originally ordered, and later cancelled, by Scandlines, are still at Stralsund and the administrator is in discussion with a number of interested parties about purchasing the nearly-completed ships. Dr Brinkmann adds that he is still speaking to potential buyers of the yard, and has received some significant offers, though a deadline has not yet been set.

At the Peene shipyard in Wolgast, which the Lürssen Group agreed to purchase in December 2012, shipbuilding activities are proceeding as planned. The third of four Swedish patrol boat newbuilds is now on sea trials and the fourth nears completion. Delivery is planned for February and March 2013, respectively.