Rönner continues to operate the Flensburg shipyard FSG. Image courtesy of Marianne Lins (FSG)

The future of the insolvent German shipyards FSG and Nobiskrug is becoming clearer, with the Bremerhaven-based Rönner Group set to continue operations at the Flensburg shipbuilder FSG. Lürssen Group will take over the Nobiskrug facilities and land in Rendsburg.

Nobiskrug will be integrated into the neighbouring Lürssen-Kröger shipyard, following a notarised offer submitted by Lürssen.

Employees at both sites have been informed, with Schleswig-Holstein’s minister-president Daniel Günther and state secretary for economic affairs Julia Carstens visiting the Flensburg shipyard for the announcement.

The Rönner Group’s owners introduced themselves to the workforce, while Chas Kelly, chair of SeaRoad Shipping from Tasmania, Australia, confirmed that the company had placed an order with Rönner to complete a shipbuilding project in Flensburg.

“We have managed to find two renowned strategic investors for FSG and Nobiskrug within the extremely tight time frame of just seven weeks,” said Dr Christoph Morgen. “Following the opening of the insolvency proceedings, technical preparations will begin at the Flensburg shipyard for the Rönner Group to resume operations. I would like to thank Chas Kelly, Chairman of SeaRoad, for travelling from Tasmania to northern Germany to secure the new vessel 784 here in Flensburg.”

Hendrik Gittermann added: “We are pleased that Lürssen’s takeover has created a long-term perspective for Rendsburg. Nobiskrug is an excellent fit for the company, and the capacities and locations of both shipyards complement each other almost perfectly.”

Michael Schmidt, chair of workers’ union IG Metall Flensburg, welcomed the development: “FSG can now once again demonstrate its ability to fulfil highly complex shipbuilding projects, such as the LNG-powered RoRo vessel for SeaRoad. The Rönner Group has an outstanding team that has always fought for its shipyard. These are the people needed for technically demanding shipbuilding contracts and Germany’s energy security.”

Dr Martin Bitter, Chairman of IG Metall Rendsburg, also expressed relief: “Nobiskrug will be retained as a shipbuilding and industrial site. In these uncertain times, this is positive news. With Lürssen, there is now an investor with the financial capacity and expertise to stabilise the shipyard.”

However, both sites require significant investment before operations can resume. Preparatory work over the coming months will include obtaining TÜV authorisations and certifications, renovating buildings, setting up facilities and procuring materials.

A transfer company will be established to support employees during the transition, providing training opportunities. More than 95 per cent of the 500 employees have reportedly agreed to this arrangement.

The post Lürssen to take over Nobiskrug after insolvency appeared first on Marine Industry News.