MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft shipyard sign strategic agreement. Photo: Dominik Butzmann MSC Cruises announced today (Monday, Deecember 15, 2025) the signing of a strategic agreement with the German shipyard MAYER WERFT for the construction of six new cruise ships.
The order includes four ships on a firm order and two additional ships as an option, marking the launch of the New Frontier series, a completely new series of ships that will constitute a new generation in the company's fleet.
According to the company's announcement, the new ships will be able to accommodate up to 5,400 passengers, with a total weight of approximately 180,000 gross tons, and will be delivered at a rate of one ship per year starting in 2030. The agreement guarantees full activity for the Meyer Werft shipyard for the coming years, into the next decade.
MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft shipyard sign strategic agreement. Photo: Dominik Butzmann
The agreement was announced at an official event held at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin. The event was attended, among others, by Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katharina Reiche, Minister of Energy and President of the State of Lower Saxony, Olaf Liss, Chairman of the Board of MSC Cruises Pierfrancesco Vago, and CEO of Meyer Werft, Dr. Bernd Aikens .
The order is expected to significantly strengthen the regional economy in Germany and secure thousands of jobs, mainly in the state of Lower Saxony and the city of Papenburg, where the shipyard operates and is a major employer.
Meyer Werft currently employs over 3,200 people directly, and over 20,000 additional jobs in the region rely on its operations. Ship deliveries starting in 2030 are expected to strengthen Papenburg's position as a strategic production center in the global cruise industry.
MSC Cruises and Meyer Werft shipyard sign strategic agreement. Photo: Dominik Butzmann
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises: “MEYER WERFT’s track record, expertise and proud history make it a true beacon of European shipbuilding. 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.”
Dr. Bernd Aikens, CEO of Meyer Werft: “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. 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."