By
Alex Smith |
Two German shipyards, Flensburger Schiffbaugesellschaft (FSG) and Nobiskurg, are to be taken over by new owners after the opening of insolvency proceedings.
FSG, based in Flensburg, will be operated by the Heinrich Rönner Group after it agreed to buy the shipyard. Nobiskrug in Rendsburg, which had been a part of FSG since 2021, will be taken over by Lürssen and operated as part of the neighbouring Lürssen-Kröger shipyard after the shipbuilder submitted a notarised offer for the yard.
Both offers will be accepted by insolvency administrators Dr Cristoph Morgen and Hendrik Gittermann – from law firms Brinkmann & Partner and Reimer, respectively – after the opening of insolvency proceedings.
"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.
“We are delighted that the takeover by Lürssen has created a long-term perspective for Rendsburg,” added Hendrik Gittermann. “The traditional company is an excellent fit for Nobiskrug. In addition, the capacities and locations of the two shipyards complement each other almost perfectly.”
The workforces of both yards were informed about the move at staff meetings, with the state of Schleswig-Holstein’s minister president Daniel Günther and state secretary for economic affairs Julia Carstens visiting the Flensburg shipyard to mark the occasion. The owners of the Heinrich Rönner Group also introduced themselves to the employees in Flensburg.
However, significant investment is required to bring both shipyards back into operation. Preparatory work such as obtaining certifications, renovating buildings and procuring materials will be carried out in the coming months.
A transfer company will therefore be set up for the employees to manage the transition from 1 February and enable them to gain further qualifications. Over 95 per cent of the 500 employees have agreed to this process.