MSC Proposes Take Over of Romania’s Mangalia Shipyard
MSC Proposes Management of Mangalia Shipyard Amid Insolvency
The Romanian government has received an unexpected proposal from MSC Mediterranean Shipping Group to manage and operate the Mangalia shipyard. This development comes after the collapse of a previous agreement with Damen Group, which led the shipyard into insolvency. Reports indicate that MSC aims to revitalize the facility, which has been struggling since its closure in 2024.
MSC’s Ambitious Plans for Mangalia
According to Europa Libera Romania, MSC Shipmanagement expressed its interest in the Mangalia shipyard through a letter sent to the Romanian government in April. The letter outlines MSC’s need for repair facilities and potential newbuilding capabilities. The shipping giant plans to take over the management and operation of the shipyard, bringing in external management to help restore its operations.
MSC’s interest in Mangalia stems from its current focus on containership construction in Asia and cruise ship production in Europe. The company has indicated to the government that it envisions using the shipyard for the future construction of cruise ships, ropax vessels, and tugboats. To support the yard’s revival, MSC has committed to prepaying for repair work, which will provide necessary funds to rehire employees.
With a fleet of over 600 containerships and nearly 1,000 vessels in total, including cruise ships and ferries, MSC is seeking additional shipyard capacity. The company already operates facilities in Antwerp and Naples, giving it valuable experience in managing shipyard operations. However, MSC faces competition for the Mangalia shipyard, as the Romanian government has been actively seeking investors since early 2025.
Competition and Future Prospects
Reports suggest that Turkey’s Desan is in advanced negotiations to acquire the Mangalia shipyard. Desan is proposing to rent the yard facilities from the government and hire the existing workforce. The Turkish company is interested in expanding its production capacity and has larger dry docks that can accommodate post-Panamax vessels.
The specifics of MSC’s proposal remain unclear, particularly regarding how it plans to structure its deal with the Romanian government. Mangalia is currently undergoing insolvency proceedings, with debts exceeding €400 million ($460 million). It may require reorganization before any new agreements can be finalized.
Established by the Romanian government in 1976, the Mangalia shipyard has faced significant challenges. It was closed in 2024 after Damen Group announced its intention to end a joint venture, which had been in place since 2018. Despite these setbacks, Romanian media reports indicate that the yard resumed operations in May 2025, completing two ship repair assignments and planning additional projects. Approximately 800 workers have been rehired, with at least 13 more repair projects scheduled for the latter half of 2025.
