MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft in landmark agreement for six next-gen cruise ships

MSC Cruises yesterday 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.

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.

The value of the order was not disclosed, but estimates put it in EUR 10 billion range.

Meyer Werft has been 80% owned by the German Federal Government and the state of Lower Saxony since September 2024 and the announcement was made in Berlin at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy 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.

“Meyer Werft’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding,” said Pierfrancesco Vago. “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.”

“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,” said Dr. Eikens. “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.”

The order was hailed 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.

“The contract awarded by MSC Cruises marks a decisive breakthrough for Meyer Werft. In economically challenging times, leadership, a focus on results and decisive action are needed,” said Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. “This is precisely what the partners involved have demonstrated. This deal stands for sustainability, innovative strength, international trust and the continuation of outstanding engineering in Germany.”

“The past few years have been a time of great uncertainty and profound change for Meyer Werft — with the acquisition by the State of Lower Saxony and the Federal Government, and together with management and the workforce, we have stabilized the yard and laid the foundation for a long-term future,” said Olaf Lies, Minister President of Lower Saxony. “With today’s signing of the term sheet, we are taking the next step: reliability for the yard and its employees, and a boost for the region. With four ships and an option for two more, this strategy will keep the yard at full capacity through 2035. The restructuring path is taking hold — competitiveness has returned, bringing real 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 across the wider Papenburg region and to the more than 1,800 suppliers whose know-how forms our maritime backbone. Together with MSC as an international and reliable partner, we are shaping the next generation of cruise ships — technologically leading, environmentally responsible, and built to the highest standards — thereby strengthening Lower Saxony, German shipbuilding, and Europe’s maritime strength.”

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