Just a month after announcing it had ordered two more World-class ships from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, MSC Cruises has placed an order for a minimum of four new ships with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The order leaves open the option to add two more ships, and introduces a brand new class to the fleet–New Frontier.
The New Frontier class will have a maximum passenger capacity of 5,400, weigh in at 180,000 gross tons and will begin debuting in 2030. The new class is comparable to the cruise line’s Meraviglia Plus ships–MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Euribia.
Dr. Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft said, “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.”
With the first of the New Frontier vessels to be delivered in 2030, and one ship following each year thereafter, this $11.7 billion ship order will keep Meyer Werft busy for more than ten years. With the option of two more vessels, making six new ships, the shipyard will be able to operate at capacity through 2035.
The order was officially announced at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin. Various officials were on hand for the announcement, including 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.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said, “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.”
This project will bring thousands of jobs to the local German economy, especially in Lower Saxony and Papenburg where Meyer Werft employs more than 3,200 individuals directly.