HanseYachts in Greifswald: Boat fair shows production and perspectives!

HanseYachts in Greifswald: Boat fair shows production and perspectives!

The maritime heart of Greifswald continues to beat strong despite stormy times. HanseYachts AG, the second largest manufacturer of sailing yachts in the world, is finally struggling with well-filled order books again after financial difficulties at the beginning of 2025. This is an encouraging sign for an industry that has faced challenges in recent years. At the weekend, HanseYachts AG opens the doors to its boat fair in the showroom, where visitors can experience factory production up close. The focus here is on sailing yachts from the brands Hanse, Dehler and Moody as well as motorboats from Sealine and Fjord. The trade fair will be open until 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, so that everyone interested in boats will get their money's worth.

But while the positive development is evident, there are also shadows over the shipyard. Again Northern Courier reports, HanseYachts AG is planning to cut 200 jobs. The board communicated this decision to the works council in a tense conversation; the IG Metall union is critical of the management and the time pressure the works council is under. Preserving jobs in Greifswald is a top priority for the unions.

Challenges of the shipyard industry

The situation of HanseYachts AG reflects the broad challenges facing the shipyard industry in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Analyzes of the shipyard industry According to global market changes and technical requirements, many shipyards have had to adapt. The bankruptcy of MV Werften in 2022 is a defining example of how dramatic the situation in this industry can be. The combination of declining demand, particularly for cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial constraints pose significant hurdles.

The developments at HanseYachts AG are particularly worrying as the company is considered one of the largest employers in the region and employs around 1,500 people. The company was founded in 1990 and, in addition to Greifswald, also has a location in Goleniów, Poland. One of the challenges is to secure production capacities while integrating innovative technologies into ship production. This particularly includes environmentally friendly drive technologies such as hydrogen and LNG as well as the construction of new special ships for offshore wind farms.

A ray of hope on the horizon

Despite all the uncertainties, there are signs of a positive turnaround in the industry. Strategic partnerships and new investors could give the shipyard industry a much-needed comeback. The interest of foreign investors in particular - including companies from Scandinavia - shows that there are still opportunities to diversify ship production in the region. A focus on technological innovations and alternative propulsion systems could be the key to stabilizing shipyards.

The coming weeks will show whether HanseYachts AG and other maritime companies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania can successfully maneuver through this turbulent time, or whether further measures are necessary to secure jobs and know-how in the region. In any case, the boat show will be an important step in maintaining interest in the maritime industry and underlining the region's importance as a shipbuilding location.