Berlin – 15 December 2025. MSC Cruises today announced a major order for four next-generation cruise ships, with two additional options, to be built by MEYER WERFT in Papenburg. This marks the launch of the new “New Frontier” platform – an entirely new class of ships. The order secures full capacity utilization of 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 and Energy Katherina Reiche and the Minister-President of Lower Saxony, Olaf Lies, together with Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, and Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of MEYER WERFT.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “The track record, expertise and proud history of Meyer Werft make the company a true beacon of European shipbuilding. Together, we will build ships 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 our guests an exceptional experience, and deploy next-generation environmental technologies that will drive our net-zero target for 2050.”
Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of MEYER WERFT, said: “This new order is a significant milestone in the 230-year history of MEYER WERFT. We are very pleased to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic partner and are honored by the trust 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 meaningful day for everyone at MEYER WERFT – for our employees as well as for our partners.”
With a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400 and a gross tonnage of around 180,000, the “New Frontier” ships are scheduled for annual delivery 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 key employer and also ensures work for the shipyard’s extensive supplier network. More than 3,200 people are directly employed at MEYER WERFT, while over 20,000 jobs in the wider region are linked to its operations.
With delivery schedules extending into the 2030s, the agreement strengthens Papenburg’s role as a strategic hub for global cruise shipbuilding and ensures the continuity of one of Europe’s most advanced maritime manufacturing ecosystems.
FURTHER QUOTES:
Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy: “The awarding of this contract by MSC Cruises marks a decisive breakthrough for Meyer Werft. In economically challenging times, leadership, a focus on results, and decisive action are essential. That is exactly what the partners involved have demonstrated. This deal stands for future viability, innovative strength, international trust, and the continuation of outstanding engineering expertise in Germany.”
Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony: “The past few years have been a period of great uncertainty and profound change for Meyer Werft – with the takeover by the state and federal governments, we were able to stabilize the shipyard together with management and the workforce and lay the foundation for a long-term future. With today’s signing of the term sheet, we are taking the next step: reliability for the shipyard and its employees, and momentum for the region. With four ships and the option for two more, the shipyard will be fully utilized under this strategy until 2035. The restructuring path is taking effect – competitiveness has returned, and with it genuine prospects for more than 22,000 jobs along the entire maritime value chain. This agreement is more than a formal act – it is a strong signal to the people throughout the Papenburg region and to the more than 1,800 suppliers whose expertise forms our maritime backbone. With MSC as an international, reliable partner, we are shaping the next generation of cruise ships – technologically leading, environmentally responsible, and of the highest quality – thereby strengthening Lower Saxony, German shipbuilding, and Europe’s maritime strength.”
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About MSC Cruises Privately owned MSC Cruises, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is the world’s third-largest cruise company and the market leader in Europe, with a strong and growing presence in North America. As a global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises on five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide across over 300 destinations, create unforgettable memories, and enjoy outstanding hospitality.
About MEYER WERFT MEYER WERFT, headquartered in Papenburg, Germany, is one of the world’s leading shipyards and is renowned for building state-of-the-art cruise ships and special-purpose vessels. Founded in 1795, the company combines centuries of shipbuilding expertise with technological innovation. MEYER WERFT is predominantly state-owned by the Federal Government and the State of Lower Saxony, with additional private ownership by the Meyer family.
source: Meyer Werft
