Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world’s largest containerline, has expressed interest in acquiring one of Europe’s largest shipyards—Mangalia—signaling a strategic move to boost its shipbuilding capabilities across cruise, RoPax, and tugboat segments.
According to Romanian media reports, Gianluigi Aponte’s MSC has approached the Romanian government with a proposal to take over the Mangalia shipyard, a once-thriving facility on the Black Sea coast that has seen better days. The yard slipped into insolvency in 2024 after Damen Shipyards Group—its Dutch co-owner—pulled out of the joint venture with the Romanian state.
Image:Damen Shipyards
While MSC has not officially responded to inquiries sent by maritime news outlet , local sources suggest that the shipping giant is serious about integrating Mangalia into its wider maritime operations. The move would mark a significant pivot for the company, already a dominant player in the container and cruise sectors, toward greater control of its vessel construction pipeline.
A Legacy Yard in Strategic Waters
Mangalia’s history runs deep. Established in 1976, the shipyard has gone through several transformations—from Romanian state control to Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in 1997, and later to Damen, who took over after DSME’s 20-year run. Despite its long legacy and strategic Black Sea access, the yard faced chronic underinvestment and eventually financial collapse when Damen exited in 2024.
The facility boasts three drydocks and vast production capacity, making it one of the largest shipyards in the region. After a year of inactivity, signs of life have returned. Two vessels are currently undergoing repairs, and another is scheduled to arrive shortly. Around 800 workers are reportedly back on-site, reigniting a sense of optimism—though caution persists.
Financial Struggles and Competitive Bids
Despite the resumption of operations, Mangalia’s financials remain precarious. Romanian business publication Profit.ro reports that creditor claims against the shipyard have climbed to approximately $400 million. This figure poses a substantial barrier to any acquisition and raises questions about the yard’s long-term viability without significant restructuring.
MSC isn’t the only company circling the troubled yard. Desan Shipyard, a Turkish shipbuilding firm, has also initiated discussions with Romanian authorities. Unlike MSC’s acquisition approach, Desan is reportedly looking to rent production capacity and labor, leveraging Mangalia’s workforce without taking on its liabilities.
The presence of multiple bidders indicates a growing recognition of Mangalia’s strategic location and potential. Situated close to key maritime trade routes and boasting large-scale infrastructure, the yard offers a rare opportunity for expansion at a time when global shipbuilding capacity is tightening.
Source:World Ports
