Good news for struggling German yards

This decision is subject to approval by the creditors holding liens on the property. The purchase agreement has already been concluded. As of 1 May 2013, the Lürssen Group will acquire the compact shipyard with its repair and new construction area for a price described as “less than €20 million”. The purchase is also subject to approval by the Federal Cartel Office.

Administrator Berthold Brinkmann said: “Lürssen offered the best purchase price. Aspects particularly appreciated were the skill of the workforce and the know how accumulated by the company, a special shipyard for naval and government agency vessels.”

The Lürssen Group has pledged to make offers for permanent employment to 285 people, as well as offers for 75 additional positions for employment limited to 24 months. In addition, all 65 trainees of the Peene shipyard will be taken on and their training will be continued.

The Lürssen Group is purchasing the buildings for the compact and repair shipyard but not the adjacent properties to the north and south, which do not belong to the main shipyard. They will be sold separately by the administrator.

Meanwhile, several interested parties from Germany and abroad are in talks with the administrator, Berthold Brinkmann, concerning the Volkswerft Stralsund shipyard.

Negotiations between the administrator and the DFDS shipping company are in the final stages regarding the anticipated order for two Ro-Ro vessels. Also on Tuesday, the creditor committee declared itself in favour of the administrator’s recommendation that the two special vessels be built at the Volkswerft. Also, at the request of DFDS, the project will be supported by Wolfgang Stammer, the former managing director of Volkswerft Stralsund GmbH whom Berthold Brinkmann recruited to his team in September 2012 as senior advisor.