German defence company Rheinmetall and Swiss shipping giant MSC have secured a €138 million ($146 million) bid to acquire Romania’s Mangalia shipyard, a Black Sea facility expected to build four naval vessels for the Romanian government.
The partners plan to transform the shipyard into a dual-use shipbuilding facility serving both civilian and military customers in Romania and international markets. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with Rheinmetall and MSC sharing the purchase cost.
Rheinmetall Naval Systems intends to use the facility to construct two 96-metre offshore patrol vessels and two 43-metre diver support vessels commissioned by Romania. Following the takeover, Rheinmetall plans to modernize the shipyard, upgrade its production infrastructure and expand manufacturing capacity. The facility will be divided into separate operational sectors and security zones to support civilian and military activities.
Strategic Importance of Mangalia Shipyard
The acquisition could help revive one of Romania’s significant shipbuilding facilities, which has faced prolonged financial difficulties. The shipyard entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2026, resulting in nearly 1,000 workers losing their jobs.
Located on the Black Sea, Mangalia holds strategic importance for Romania, a NATO member positioned on the alliance’s eastern flank. Restoring the facility could strengthen the country’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities and support its broader efforts to expand national defence manufacturing.
The project also aligns with Bucharest’s commitments under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. During negotiations, the Romanian government included commitments to invest in domestic defence production, with the Mangalia shipyard identified as part of these industrial development efforts.
