MSC Group has announced its ambition to expand into the European shipbuilding and repair industry by expressing interest in managing the troubled Damen Shipyards Mangalia facility in Romania. This move indicates a strategic effort by the company, led by Gianluigi Aponte, to broaden its operational scope beyond its primary activities in container and cruise shipping. The Romanian government has been formally notified of MSC’s intention to take over management at the Mangalia site. However, the company faces competition from Turkey's Desan Shipyard , which is also keen on utilizing the shipyard’s production capabilities. MSC Shipmanagement’s CEO, Prabhat Kumar Jha, outlined the company’s interest in a letter, highlighting the potential for future shipbuilding projects specifically in the area of cruise ships, ro-pax vessels, and tug boats. Damen Shipyards Mangalia, currently under insolvency with debts over $425 million, is partially owned by the Romanian state and the Dutch company Damen, which holds a 49% interest. The shipyard, operating with a diminished workforce of 800 employees, resumed activity in May after a period of financial instability. With its new strategic interest, MSC aims to leverage the yard for maintenance and repair, aligning with its existing European facilities in Antwerp and Naples.

Source: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/shipyards/gianluigi-aponte-s-msc-breaks-new-ground-with-bid-for-bankrupt-romanian-shipyard/2-1-1831320