Germany

German Naval Yards

German defence group Rheinmetall has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK)</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/119735/image/large-acfb0b7bab0c6365f9f60566481d2088.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/119735">The bid was disclosed as part of Rheinmetall’s first-quarter financial results on 7 May 2026, although it did not reveal the value of the offer. During the conference call, Rheinmetall CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board Armin Papperger, explained that the company had made a non-binding offer to acquire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a>.“We have now started a due diligence, and we expect over the next weeks that we will have a result about that so that we can give a binding offer also to enlarge our capacities in shipyards.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> is part of CMN Naval Group, the family-owned French shipbuilder active in both naval and yacht construction. In January 2026, German defence and shipbuilding group<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">&nbsp;Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)</a> also submitted a non-binding bid to acquire GNYK.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TKMS submits non-binding bid for German Naval Yards (2026-01-16 15:00:00 +0100)">TKMS submits non-binding bid for German Naval Yards</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/119742/image/large-8d47deb0b2710a78c1048265db2b1b5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/119742"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a> confirmed to SuperYacht Times that it was still in negotiations to acquire the company. In a statement to SYT, the company said: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a> has submitted a non-binding offer to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards (GNYK)</a>. Discussions between our two companies are continuing with an open outcome.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> reportedly employs around 400 people directly and in October 2025, the contract for the construction of the 114.1-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">Project ELF</a> was signed, with the yard unveiling the 93-metre superyacht concept, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards unveils new 93m yacht concept Project KOA (2025-12-16 14:45:00 +0100)">Project KOA</a> in December 2025.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374090/image/large-176e4c6ae9d16a2aefdd17a353aad349.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374090">In March 2026, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> also unveiled that they had signed for the hull and superstructure construction of a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards to build hull of +100m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht (2026-03-18 10:00:00 +0100)">+100-metre superyacht</a> built for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a>. Very few details have been announced about the build, which has an estimated completion date of 2030.SuperYacht Times reached out to Rheinmetall and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> for further details on the proposed acquisition, with both declining to comment. We will update this article as the story develops.

Rheinmetall submits non-binding bid for German Naval Yards

German defence group Rheinmetall has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK).

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a> has announced the signing of hull and superstructure construction of a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16845" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking 6521105.55m (346'4&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2030">+100-metre superyacht</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388644/image/large-b157731b8e7e08c0d440bd54f6033a08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388644">Built for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a>, the yacht will feature a steel hull and aluminium superstructure and will make her one of the yard’s largest superyachts constructed by the German yard to-date.&nbsp;Very few details have been revealed about the new project, which will see her hull and superstructure built at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a> facility in Kiel, Germany.&nbsp;This isn’t the only large superyacht in-build at the yard, with the 114-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a> currently in the covered dock at the yard. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5025" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andy Waugh Yacht Design (Company)">Andy Waugh Yacht Design</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7641" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pindaros (Company)">Pindaros</a>, the latter of which are responsible for her interiors, alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7642" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Champeau & Wilde (Company)">Laurent Champeau</a>.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374090/image/large-176e4c6ae9d16a2aefdd17a353aad349.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374090"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a> is designed to host 18 guests and 39 crew, with key features onboard including a 20-metre swimming pool, part of which can be hydraulically raised to create additional deck space, as well as sweeping exterior decks, a central spiral staircase connecting the guest areas and an expansive owner’s suite.

GNY to build +100m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht

German Naval Yards has announced the signing of hull and superstructure construction of a new +100-metre superyacht. 

German Naval Yards to build hull of +100m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht

German defence and shipbuilding group <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a>) has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire Kiel-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a>).<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/119735/image/large-bb59391d8d7f6a0cacd7c6b99a20eb8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/119735"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a> confirmed the bid in a statement to SuperYacht Times stating: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a> has submitted a non-binding offer to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a>. Discussions between our two companies are continuing with an open outcome.” At present, no financial terms or strategic details of the bid have been disclosed.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a>, which was spun off from its parent company Thyssenkrupp in October 2025, indicated that it expects a decision on the possible purchase “soon.” This comes as part of its ambition to expand, following the increased demand for defence equipment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374090/image/large-176e4c6ae9d16a2aefdd17a353aad349.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374090">Owned by the CMN Naval group, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> employs around 400 people and specialises in naval and yacht construction. In October 2025, the contract for the construction of the 114.1-metre superyacht Project ELF was signed, with the yard unveiling the 93-metre superyacht concept, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards unveils new 93m yacht concept Project KOA (2025-12-16 14:45:00 +0100)">Project KOA</a> in December 2025.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht</a>According to Reuters, British defence and industrial group Inocea were also in talks to buy the yard, suggesting a broader interest as European defence firms look for effective ways to expand.SuperYacht Times has reached out to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> for further details on the proposed acquisition and will update this article as the story develops.&nbsp;

TKMS submits non-binding bid for German Naval Yards

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire Kiel-based shipyard German Naval Yards (GNYK).

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards (GNY)</a> has unveiled a new 93-metre superyacht concept, Project&nbsp;KOA, developed in collaboration with Swisship Yacht Projects and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascoli International (Company)">Pascoli International</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380960/image/large-da9c3198d644ece6cdffd21e77b3dbc5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380960">Designed for a new generation of owners, Project&nbsp;KOA, draws on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNY</a>’s involvement in building some of the world’s most technically advanced yachts, such as the 142.91-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and their 114.1-metre in-build superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF,</a> which has an estimated delivery date of 2028.&nbsp;With a beam of 14.6 metres, a draught of four-metres and an estimated gross tonnage of around 3,500 GT, the project aims to balance contemporary aesthetics, with proven engineering solutions.“This project reflects the evolution of our shipyard,” explained Rino Brugge, Chief Executive Officer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a>. “After the technical achievements of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and now the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a>, we are excited to present a concept that demonstrates what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNY</a> can deliver for the next generation of superyacht owners.”Project&nbsp;KOA is defined by a clean, architectural profile, which is distinguished by straight window lines, flush glass installation and floating glass-panel railings. The result provides Project&nbsp;KOAwith a sleek and contemporary silhouette.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380961/image/large-2a2e905a131e6ec35abe3ee926699502.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380961">“The intent was to create a design that feels clean, timeless and highly functional, while offering dramatic interior volumes and interconnected spaces,” commented Andreas Iseli of Swisship Yacht Projects.One of Project&nbsp;KOA’s defining features is her sunken main deck aft swimming pool, which is fitted with a glass floor that channels natural light into the beach club below. The beach club itself opens directly to the sea via a stern door and two fold-down terraces, creating a waterside space designed for extended use.&nbsp;“The seamless flow from the beach club up to the double-height lounge, combined with advanced hybrid propulsion, reflects how we believe future large yachts will be experienced,” added Iseli.Her main deck layout includes an aft beach lounge that links the pool deck to the upper-deck lounge, through a dramatic double-height atrium and floating feature staircase. Forward, six guest suites are arranged with flexibility in mind, including four that can be combined into two larger VIP suites with adjoining sitting rooms.Also located forward on the main deck is a full-beam tender garage capable of housing two 10-metre tenders, a 6.2-metre crew boat, an MOB tender and additional toys. Dedicated battery storage for the toys has also been incorporated as an added safety measure. On the lower deck, her beach club area is complemented by a watersports and dive centre, a gym and crew and service zones accommodating up to 32 crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/380959/image/large-2d5e737d80373fde58edf2584e1b7d7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/380959">Guest amenities dominate the upper deck, which is home to a spa complex comprising hairdressing and massage rooms, a wet spa and a relaxation lounge overlooking a forward spa pool and sunbathing area.Above this, the bridge deck accommodates the wheelhouse, captain’s cabin and office, while her aft section is reserved for the owner’s private suite, complete with a secluded terrace offering panoramic views. The sun deck sits at the top of the vessel, accessed by guests via an internal staircase, with separate crew routes designed to ensure discreet service."Designed to blend elegance with purpose, our new superyacht concept epitomises a lifestyle that seamlessly marries luxury and functionality,” explained Kristian Pascoli of Pascoli International.In terms of performance, Project&nbsp;KOA is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> 175D engines paired with a two x 450 kW PTO/PTI system. This configuration enables silent cruising at approximately 11 knots, with an estimated top speed of around 18 knots.A three MW <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Corvus Energy (Company)">Corvus</a> battery pack supports peak-load shaving, low-noise manoeuvring and quiet operation at anchor, while stabilisation is provided by two extendable fins and fold-out Maglifts for comfort across all speeds.“This vision caters to the next generation of owners who seek not only exquisite design, but also an unparalleled connection to the sea, ensuring that the experience is as unforgettable as the vessel itself,” concluded Pascoli.

Project KOA: 93m German Naval Yards yacht concept

German Naval Yards has unveiled a new 93m superyacht concept, KOA, developed in collaboration with Swisship Yacht Projects and Pascoli International.

German Naval Yards unveils new 93m yacht concept Project KOA

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a> has confirmed it will complete the construction of the 114-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a>, following the signing of an agreement.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374090/image/large-176e4c6ae9d16a2aefdd17a353aad349.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374090">With a beam of 15.8 metres and a gross tonnage of 4,950 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7641" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pindaros (Company)">Pindaros</a>, in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5025" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andy Waugh Yacht Design (Company)">Andy Waugh Yacht Design</a>; while her interiors are penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7641" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pindaros (Company)">Pindaros</a>, in collaboration with Laurent Champeau.&nbsp;Her builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a> is part of the European group CMN NAVAL and has a long-standing heritage in complex large yacht and naval construction. The Kiel-based facility previously delivered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>'s 142.81-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a>, one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374091/image/large-786aa30fd0297817c041b92309a6222b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374091">“Our shipyard has long been recognised for both naval excellence and superyacht innovation,” explained Rino Brugge, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards</a>. “With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a>, we are once again showcasing German quality and craftsmanship on a vessel of exceptional size and sophistication.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374089/image/large-666724e316c85e0eeb8ceacac15d48b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374089"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a> is designed to host 18 guests and 39 crew, with key features onboard including a 20-metre swimming pool, part of which can be hydraulically raised to create additional deck space, as well as sweeping exterior decks, a central spiral staircase connecting the guest areas and an expansive owner’s suite.“We have full confidence in German Naval Yards’ expertise and their ability to realise our vision for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ELF114.1m (374'4&quot;)German Naval Yards2028">Project ELF</a>,” concluded Roger Friedrich of Junonia Yacht Consultants. “Their technical mastery, dedication to detail and experience with large yacht projects make them the ideal partner for a vessel of this magnitude.”

Project ELF: German Naval Yards to complete 114m superyacht

German Naval Yards has confirmed it will complete the construction of the 114-metre superyacht Project ELF, following the signing of an agreement.