TKMS evaluates acquisition of German Naval Yards: non-binding offer on the table
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has confirmed it has submitted a non-binding offer for the acquisition of German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK), a German shipyard based in Kiel active in both military shipbuilding and large yacht construction.
The news was confirmed by TKMS itself in a statement released to SuperYacht Times, in which the group specified that negotiations between the two companies are ongoing and that the outcome remains open. At present, neither the financial terms nor the strategic elements of the operation have been disclosed.
TKMS, a new phase following the spin-off
TKMS became an independent company in October 2025, following its separation from parent company Thyssenkrupp. Since then, the group has initiated an expansion phase consistent with the increasing demand for naval defence systems and platforms.
In this context, interest in German Naval Yards is part of a broader strategy of industrial and production strengthening. TKMS has stated it expects a decision on the potential acquisition in the near term.
German Naval Yards: between defence and superyachts
German Naval Yards Kiel, controlled by French group CMN Naval, employs approximately 400 people and is active in the construction of military units, special vessels and superyachts.
In recent months the shipyard has been at the centre of attention for two major projects in the large yacht segment:
· Project ELF, a 114.1-metre superyacht, for which the construction contract was signed in October 2025;
· Project KOA, a 93-metre concept presented in December 2025.
Two programmes that confirm the shipyard's capability to work on complex platforms and dimensions typical of the megayacht and gigayacht sector.
Interest extending beyond TKMS
According to Reuters, British industrial and defence group Inocea is also in negotiations for the acquisition of the shipyard. An element highlighting how German Naval Yards represents a strategic asset at a time when European defence companies are seeking to rapidly strengthen their production capabilities.
The growing interest in GNYK reflects a broader trend: the integration between military shipbuilding, advanced naval technology and construction capabilities applicable also to the large yacht segment.
Open scenarios
At present, the operation remains in a preliminary phase. TKMS's offer is non-binding and the parties have not yet defined a formal structure for the potential acquisition. However, the fact that multiple industrial groups are interested in the shipyard suggests that German Naval Yards could become one of the strategic nodes in the reorganisation of European naval shipbuilding.
For the superyacht sector, the evolution of the Kiel shipyard's ownership could have direct implications both on the continuity of ongoing programmes and on future industrial strategies related to large custom projects.
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