- New cruise ship leaves the Meyer yard
Under the watch of hundreds of onlookers, a new cruise ship, the "Disney Treasure," has left the construction hall of the Papenburg-based Meyer Werft. During its launch, a grand fireworks display was held, reported a dpa photographer. The ship, which is said to have 1250 passenger cabins, will be powered by liquefied natural gas.
At the request of the client, the yard did not release any information about the launch maneuver, a company spokesperson said. The ship's transfer across the Ems towards the North Sea is expected to take place in September - the Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation Authority (NLWKN) has already announced the necessary closure of the Gandersum lock for the second half of September.
The Meyer Werft, renowned worldwide for its cruise ships, is currently struggling to survive. By mid-September at the latest, the yard must secure promises of urgently needed loans. An increase in equity of 400 million euros is also necessary. The federal and state governments are currently examining whether and to what extent they can help the ailing yard. Due to the collapse of the global tourism market during the corona pandemic, the yard, with its more than 3000 employees, slipped into the red.
The "Disney Treasure," the new cruise ship, will traverses the Ems towards the North Sea in September. Despite facing financial difficulties, the Meyer Werft, known for its luxury cruise ships, is actively seeking urgent loans and an increased equity.
