MV Werften, the German shipbuilder that is part of Genting Hong Kong group, will have to reduce its workforce in order to continue restructuring of the business of the cruise shipbuilder, it said in a statement.

Earlier this month, the negotiations between the management, the works councils and IG Metall, the powerful steel and engineering industry trade union, on the restructuring concept of the shipyards were intensified again.

“Specifically, it is about securing ongoing shipbuilding projects and employment scenarios for a final loan commitment from the economic stabilisation fund. The prerequisite for the granting of federal loan funds is the adjustment of the workforce to the order situation,” the company said.

The company currently employs about 2,800 people.

“Despite the necessary staff reductions, all those involved assured their full support in efforts to achieve social compatibility, a balance of interests and a transfer company,” it added.

Peter Fetten, Managing Director of MV Werften said in the statement: “It must be the joint effort of the federal government, the state, IG Metall, works councils and us as management to continue the current projects successfully and to regulate the financing conditions for new orders at the same time. A positive development would also result in an increase in the number of staff. "

Ines Scheel, General Works Councilor at MV Werften noted: “After the very successful development of our shipyards over the past 10 years, we cannot allow a virus to stop us within 10 months. Political courage and reasonable financial terms are now required.”

MV Werften is building three 19,500 gross ton high end of the market expedition cruise ships and three 65,000 gross ton ice class luxury segment ships for Crystal Cruises, which is part of the Genting Hong Kong group.

Its orderbook also comprises six 88,000 gross ton Genting Universal class ships for Genting Hong Kong plus two 208,000 gross ton ships for Star Cruises, also a Genting Hong Kong group member, according to SHIPPAX Info.

It has three facilities, which are located in Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund on the German Baltic coast.

Photo: Global Dream is one of the two 208,000 gross ton cruise ships on order at MV Werften