Meyer Werft dredging costs: more than 20 million euros for work at the Port of Emden
By Rachel · 5 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
The dredging work in Emden’s outer harbour for the Meyer shipyard is expected to cost more than 20 million euros. The German government has awarded a contract for the years 2025 and 2026 to keep the Ems river clear for the cruise ships built by the Papenburg shipyard, which are up to 350 metres long. This is according to a report in the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (NOZ), which cites the Federal Ministry of Transport. The works are part of a long-term strategy that has already cost more than 750 million euros since 2000.
Key points at a glance
- More than 20 million euros will be spent on dredging work in Emden’s outer harbour in 2025–2026 (according to the Federal Ministry of Transport).
- Since 2000, over 750 million euros have been spent on maintenance work on the River Ems (source: Presseportal).
- Meyer Werft has also reported €185 million in unplanned costs for current contracts (according to Schiffe und Kreuzfahrten).
- 1.86 million cubic metres of silt are to be removed over the next few years (source: Presseportal).
- The works will ensure sufficient draught for the cruise ships being transferred from Papenburg via the River Ems to the North Sea (according to NDR).
- The Lower Saxony state government plans to relocate ship outfitting operations from Eemshaven (NL) to Emden, which will require additional investment (according to NDR).
Why the work is necessary
Meyer Werft builds cruise ships with a draught of up to 10 metres. In order to transfer these ships from Papenburg via the River Ems to Emden, the river must maintain a sufficient navigable channel. Every year, high tides wash more sediment into the River Ems than can be carried away again at low tide. Without regular dredging, the ships would get stuck in the silt, which would jeopardise the shipyard’s schedule. “The dredging work is essential to maintain shipping traffic on the Ems,” explains the Federal Ministry of Transport in a statement.
Who is paying the millions?
The cost of the dredging work is shared between the federal government, the state of Lower Saxony and the Meyer shipyard. The federal government is providing the largest share – over 20 million euros for the 2025 and 2026 dredging campaigns. The state of Lower Saxony is contributing via its state-owned port company, N-Ports, which is providing the infrastructure at the quay and undertaking the expansion of the berthing basin in the outer harbour. Meyer Werft itself is bearing the costs of adapting the ships, as well as the additional 185 million euros in unplanned expenditure, which, according to Schiffe und Kreuzfahrten, is also attributable to rising transport and material costs.
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The high costs are the subject of critical debate, particularly as the state has already invested 400 million euros of taxpayers’ money in the shipyard to save it from insolvency. “In a normal corporate takeover, this would be a case for considering compensation,” says Professor Christoph Schalast, an expert on corporate takeovers, in an interview with NDR.
Impact on the Emden region and the shipyard
The relocation of ship outfitting from Eemshaven to Emden is creating new local jobs. According to the state government, around 6,000 workers come to Emden for six weeks per ship. “This is a strong signal for the region,” emphasises Emden’s Lord Mayor Tim Kruithoff (independent). In addition, the local hospitality sector is benefiting from the large numbers of tourists visiting the cruise ships in the harbour.
The dredging work itself is generating additional economic activity: the port industry in Emden is employing more staff to carry out the work, and the necessary infrastructure – such as the expansion of the berthing basin – is strengthening the location in the long term. “With the decision to choose Emden, the previous outfitting activities in Eemshaven, the Netherlands, will be phased out,” explains the state government in a press release.
Costs at a glance – a table
| Year | Measure | Responsible body | Costs (millions of euros) | Volume (cubic metres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | Dredging of Emden’s outer harbour | Federal Government | over 20 | 1.86 |
| 2000–2024 | Maintenance of the Ems | Federal | over 750 | – |
| 2025–2027 | Lower Elbe dredging programme | Federal Government | approx. 137 | – |
| 2024 | Unplanned additional costs at Meyer Werft | Meyer Shipyard | 185 | – |
Frequently asked questions
What are the exact costs of the dredging work in Emden’s outer harbour?
The contract for 2025 and 2026 amounts to more than 20 million euros, as confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Transport.
Who is funding the dredging work?
The federal government is covering the lion’s share, the state of Lower Saxony is contributing via N-Ports, and Meyer Werft is bearing the costs of adapting the ships as well as any additional unplanned expenditure.
Why is the dredging important for Meyer Werft?
Only with sufficient draught can the cruise ships be transferred from Papenburg via the River Ems to Emden. Otherwise, they would get stuck in the silt and jeopardise the shipyard’s schedule.
Are there any alternatives to dredging?
The government plans to use the Ems barrage in East Frisia as a silt barrier to reduce silt levels in the long term. This is due to be implemented from 2027.
What impact will this have on the region?
New jobs will be created in the port sector, and the mooring basin in the outer harbour will strengthen Emden as a business location. Furthermore, tourists and the hospitality sector will benefit from the cruise ships docking in the harbour.
Summary
The dredging work for the Meyer shipyard is a costly but essential project that will cost more than 20 million euros for the period 2025–2026 alone. Added to this are long-term expenditure of over 750 million euros on the maintenance of the River Ems since the year 2000, as well as an additional 185 million euros in unplanned costs for the shipyard. The federal government, the state of Lower Saxony and the Meyer Werft itself are sharing the burden to safeguard Emden as a maritime hub and ensure the construction of cruise ships.
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Sources: NDR – Meyer Werft fits out cruise ships in Lower Saxony · Ships and Cruises – Meyer Werft Papenburg: Reportedly 185 million euros in additional costs · Der Kreuzfahrttester – Meyer Werft’s million-euro problem · Presseportal – Federal government plans further expenditure of millions on dredging work to combat silt in the River Ems. As at 24 October 2026.
