Germany: The ThyssenKrupp industrial group has announced a series of major changes relating to its five fully-owned subsidiaries, Thyssen Nordseewerke in Emden , Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, HDW in Kiel, Kockums in Sweden and the Hellenic Shipyards in Greece.
According to Defence Professionals, the first move was based on a contract signed on October 23, in which Thyssen Nordseewerke was sold to SIAG Schaaf Industry. The facility will be converted into a centre for offshore technology for the production of wind energy plants.
SIAG Nordweeserke will commence restructuring the production facilities so that offshore wind energy plant components can be produced. The legal change in ownership will take place in January 2010.
The second development is the 80 percent acquisition of Blohm + Voss by Arabic shipbuilding group, Abu Dhabi MAR, which will take control of Blohm + Voss Shipyards, Blohm + Voss Repair and Blohm + Voss Industries. ThyssenKrupp will retain a 20 percent share in the Blohm + Voss group, keeping control of its naval contracts with the Germany Navy and its NATO partners.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi MAR will take over projects in the Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the company will also oversee the manufacture of mega yachts and ship parts.
ThyssenKrupp and Abu Dhabi MAR will also be forming a joint venture, of which each company will have an equal stake. This company will focus on the production of naval vessels for export outside of NATO.
"The partnership with the Abu Dhabi MAR Group represents a solid foundation for the future of the shipyard," Defence Professionals quoted Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien, Chairman of the Management Board of the Marine Systems business area of ThyssenKrupp, as saying.