It’s no secret that STX Finland is in serious financial woes. After the Mein Schiff 4 is launched next year, there will officially be no cruise ships on their order book. One of the major reasons that the Rauma yard was closed permanently.
Their German rivals Meyer Werft is looking at this as an opportunity. They are confirmed to be progressing quite a bit in talks to purchase the yard and save the shipbuilding industry in Turku, Finland. A big reason behind it, would be the possibility to build larger ships. Right now, due to the space available at their Papenburg location, they can go as large as the Quantum class of ships.
If successful with the acquisition, they’d be able to go as large [or larger] than the Oasis class. An appealing demographic for the German execs.