Stralsund (dpa/mv) – The IG Metall trade union has shown a wait and see plan for the construction of expedition cruise ships in Stralsund. So far, it has only been a matter of declarations of intent and not yet contracts, said Guido Fröschke, managing director of IG Metall Stralsund-Neubrandenburg of the German Press Agency on Monday. “We’re very excited when that becomes concrete. If that works, it’s good that work will come.”
It had previously become known that the Norwegian shipbuilder Fosen Yard wanted to build expedition cruise ships as a leaseholder on the former site of the now insolvent MV shipyards.
“The only thing that works now” are such ships, said Fröschke with a view to the construction of cruise ships. At the time there were also talks with interested parties for possible successors to the luxury expedition ship “Crystal Endeavor” still being built by MV Werft in Stralsund. It was about American hotel chains, but they didn’t agree in the end.
“We had the Fosen people in the office three weeks ago,” recalled Fröschke. Already at that time it was about corresponding plans. Fosen said the company would provide contracts as soon as they are available. The Norwegians have not yet commented on taking on the trainees at the site or the twelve-strong team that keeps the shipyard warm.
Until recently, little was publicly known about the Norwegians’ plans in Stralsund. Together with the insolvency of the Fosen Yard Emden shipyard, this had caused uncertainty.
According to Fosen boss Anders Straumsheim, the company is currently in talks with several interested parties. The aim is to secure projects by autumn. One plans with 150 to 250 employees and the construction of several ships per customer.
After the insolvency of MV shipyards, the city of Stralsund bought the shipyard site in spring in order to develop a maritime business park. In addition to Fosen, the metal processing company Ostseestaal and the wind turbine manufacturer German Sustainables are now leaseholders.