Rheinmetall, MSC to acquire Romanian shipyard for $155M

German defense company Rheinmetall and Swiss shipping company MSC have won an auction to acquire Romania's Mangalia shipyard for around €138 million ($155 million), Rheinmetall announced Monday.

The partners plan to develop the shipyard, located south of Constanta, into a dual-use facility for civilian and military shipbuilding, serving domestic and international markets.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized within a few weeks, with the two companies jointly paying the purchase price.

For Rheinmetall Naval Systems, the shipyard will play an important role in building four vessels commissioned by the Romanian government: two 96-meter offshore patrol vessels and two 43-meter diver support vessels.

The facility is also intended to become a hub for additional military shipbuilding projects, supporting Rheinmetall's expansion in southeastern Europe.

Civilian and military operations will run in parallel, with the shipyard divided into separate sectors and security zones.

Tim Wagner, chief executive of Rheinmetall's Naval Systems division, said the company plans to expand and upgrade the shipyard following the acquisition.

The investment will improve existing infrastructure, production conditions and capacity to meet future requirements, strengthening Rheinmetall's industrial presence in the region, he said.

Rheinmetall has been active in Romania since 2024 through Rheinmetall Automecanica, based in Medias.