For decades, the Lloyd Werft was regarded as a high-profile conversion and repair shipyard. This business segment will not be abandoned. But the focus will be quite more on the construction of luxury yachts. There is also hope to win the contract for the new »Polarstern«. By Krischan Förster
The Bremerhaven shipyard is working flat out on the »Solaris« yacht project. As usual, only a few details are known[ds_preview] about such luxury projects, all those involved have committed themselves to the strictest confidentiality. Therefore only the current name is known and the length of 140 m. »We won’t and shouldn’t reveal more,« says Rüdiger Pallentin, Managing Director of Lloyd Werft.
This mysterious ship is being built in floating dock 3, rumours say it has been ordered by the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. He had already had his 115 m long »Luna« built in Bremerhaven. What is for sure is that this project is currently providing enough work for all employees. The »Solaris« is to be delivered next year.
Lloyd Werft has been through turbulent times since it was taken over by the Genting Group (Hong Kong). Now it’s time to look ahead, according to Pallentin. There are good reasons to be optimistic. The shipyard has providently made a financial contribution to the rebuilding of the West Quay in Bremerhaven’s Kaiserhafen. Upon completion, cruise ships can be outfitted at the 500 m quay next to the shipyard. The total costs have been calculated at € 30 million.
In the meantime, however, the company has repositioned itself. The design centre on the site has become an engineering office with 70 own employees to date plus about 30 designers from subcontracted companies. They not only advance Lloyd Werft’s own projects such as »Solaris«, but also handles orders from other customers.
Lloyd Werft, on the other hand, has given up the repair business for merchant ships, but not for the conversion and modernisation of cruise ships, including offshore and special ships. The shipyard has been specializing in this segment for a long time and enjoys an excellent reputation. »This year, too, we are striving for some orders for passenger ships,« says Pallentin. Although the business has changed in the recent past. The shipyard is increasingly becoming a logistics service provider for the client rather than carrying out all the work, »2/3 of the work is organised by the shipping company itself«.
The still extensive area with its numerous dock and shipyard facilities is thus also available to other providers such as the neighbouring German Dry Docks. In Bremerhaven the capacities are shared – an advantage for all sides. Within the Genting Group, the shipyard is responsible for third-party business, i.e. external orders. In view of the good order backlog, Pallentin is willing to hire a further 30 to 40 employees in the near future.
After the »Solaris« new yacht orders could follow, three projects are currently being negotiated, »but nothing is ready for decision yet«. The market is fierce, especially at the Weser. The closest competitors, the market leaders Lürssen and Abeking&Rasmussen, are located only a few kilometres upstream on the Weser, and there are also international suppliers such as Amels and Damen. »We are the ›new kids on the block‹,« says Pallentin, »but we want to hold our ground.«
In addition, Lloyd Werft has submitted a bid for the construction of the new research icebreaker vessel »Polarstern 2«. After a few delays, the contract is expected to be awarded this year by the Federal Ministry of Research. Now the yard is hoping for the attractive and prestigious contract. The state of Bremen has promised a bail to secure the bid.
Krischan Förster
