MSC Cruises and MEYER WERFT shipyards sign contract for delivery of 6 new generation ships
MSC Cruises today announced a significant order of four new generation cruise ships and two additional options from the MEYER WERFT shipyard in Papenburg. Along with it, the shipyard announced the creation of a new "New Frontier" platform that will ensure the German shipyard's full capacity until the end of the next decade.
New Frontier Class: smaller ships for new routes
The announcement was made today at the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy in Berlin by Federal Minister of Economics Katherine Reiche and Lower Saxony Energy Minister Olaf Lies, who sealed the agreement between MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and MEYER WERFT Shipyard CEO Dr. Bernd Eikens.
New Frontier class ships will be delivered annually from 2030. With a maximum capacity of 5,400 passengers and a gross tonnage of approximately 180,000 tonnes, they will not outperform their sister class "World", in which 8 ships will sail under the MSC Cruises flag by 2031. In displacement, these ships will be more in line with the Meraviglia-Plus class (approx. 181-184,000 tons), but in passenger numbers their older sisters of the Meraviglia class (approx. 5,600-6,000 guests). This suggests that the new ships will probably have more passenger space or more attractions.
According to Pierfrancesco Vaga, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, these ships will not stand out in size, but in the possibilities of where they can sail due to their size: "The New Frontier class will allow us to design new and exclusive itineraries, offer exceptional guest experiences and will be equipped with next-generation environmental technologies that will advance our commitment to zero emissions by 2050."
A decisive boost for the German economy
The order for 4+2 new ships for MSC Cruiess represents a decisive boost for the regional and German economy.It secures thousands of jobs in Germany, especially in Lower Saxony and Papenburg, where MEYER WERFT is a key employer and sustains work for the shipyard's extensive network of suppliers. MEYER WERFT directly employs more than 3,200 people and over 20,000 jobs are linked to its activities in the wider region. The contract is also likely to affect the industry in the Czech Republic, which is significantly linked to the German one.
Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of MEYER WERFT, added: "We are delighted to welcome MSC Cruises as a new customer and strategic partner and are truly honoured 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 really positive and significant day for everyone at MEYER WERFT - our employees and our partners."
With delivery dates extending to 2030, the agreement reinforces Papenburg's role as a strategic hub for global cruise ship manufacturing and ensures the continuity of one of Europe's most advanced maritime manufacturing ecosystems.
Sources: MSC Cruises, Riviera Tour
