MB'92 in discussions over La Ciotat dry dock
French news outlets have reported a possible partnership between Lürssen and MB'92 for use of the facility…
French media outlet Le Marin has reported that MB’92 is on the verge of partnering with Lürssen for the use of La Ciotat’s 200x60m dry dock for the refitting and maintenance of superyachts.
The original contract for exclusive use of the dry dock was signed in October 2016 by Blohm + Voss and SEMIDEP (Société Economie Mixte Développement Economique et Portuaire), but the agreement was called into question following Lürssen’s acquisition of Blohm + Voss.
Since the business deal centred around Lürssen’s strategy to expand its military shipbuilding capacity, there was speculation that the yard might cut down on Blohm + Voss’ superyacht activity. However, this latest news suggests that the agreement is still on, just leaving Blohm + Voss with a lesser share of the facilities.
Having contacted MB’92 for comment, the Spanish refit yard is unable to share any information, explaining that nothing was yet official.
While SEMIDEP CEO Jean-Yves Saussol said that he is unable to comment or give details on a deal involving third parties, he confirmed that the deal between Blohm + Voss and La Ciotat SAS is still valid and that the company will remain as the lease holder of the dry dock. “Unfortunately there has been many biased rumours going around,” he adds.
“The only true thing is that Blohm + Voss and Lürssen are considering a partnership with MB’92 in order to reinforce and speed up the operations. We agreed on this in the framework of the existing contract, although I am not aware that any deal has been closed.”
Profile links
Marina Barcelona 92 S.A. - MB 92
Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.
