The German Shipbuilding Rebound
German shipbuilding has made a significant turnaround. The country’s shipbuilding industry has seen increases in the number of employees, orders and deliveries compared to 2013, according to the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM). The special shipbuilding sector drove this growth, as 20 of the 34 delivered new builds could be classified as high-quality special vessels or naval units. Although VSM announces its annual balance officially in May of each year, MR was able to obtain some early insights into the results.
REPORT: Luerssen Bids for ThyssenKrupp Ship Yards
Germany's Luerssen has reportedly made a bid for all of ThyssenKrupp's (TKAG.DE) shipbuilding unit Blohm + Voss, German daily Hamburger Abendblatt reported on Wednesday, according to Reuters. ThyssenKrupp in July scrapped a deal for Abu Dhabi MAR to buy Blohm + Voss. (Source: Reuters)
Abu Dhabi MAR Kiel
As of September 1, 2011, the contracts for the acquisition of the former HDW Gaarden GmbH in Kiel have entered into force. Abu Dhabi MAR Kiel GmbH starts with 172 employees, the facilities, equipment and infrastructure of the former HDW Gaarden, working on first orders of its target markets offshore, mega yachts and construction of special vessels. Management Directors of this new company are Ms Susanne Wiegand and Mr Holger Kahl. The operations manager is Mr Christian Schmitt, who already held a leading position at HDW Gaarden’s surface vessel division for several years. Abu Dhabi MAR Kiel is currently building a 75 m yacht and an offshore transformer platform.
Posidonia Opens Next Week
The 22nd edition of Posidonia 2010, an international shipping trade event, opens its doors next week on the back of renewed confidence in the state of Greek maritime affairs as outlined in a recent Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) statement. According to UGS, Greece’s foreign exchange earnings from ocean going shipping services were substantial in 2009 amounting to $16.6b despite a slight decrease compared to the previous year. Continued new-building orders will ensure Greece maintains…
ThyssenKrupp, Abu Dhabi MAR Venture
According to an Oct. 15 Bloomberg report, ThyssenKrupp AG’s Marine Systems unit and Abu Dhabi MAR Group plan to set up a long-term partnership and a 50/50 joint venture, Abu Dhabi MAR said in an e-mailed statement. (Source: Bloomberg)
PacifiCat Ferries Sold
The Washington Marine Group of Companies announced that is has sold the three PacifiCat ferries to foreign buyer, Abu Dhabi Mar, for export from Canada. The details of the transaction are confidential. The three ferries will be transported from Vancouver Harbour via heavy lift deep-sea vessel. The first is scheduled to depart next month. (www.washingtonmarinegroup.com)