Rheinmetall seeks Romanian state approval to acquire Mangalia shipyard

Rheinmetall submitted an official application to the Comisia pentru examinarea investiţiilor directe (CEISD) requesting authorization to take over the Mangalia shipyard, following its winning of a court-run auction organized by the liquidator CITR. Completion of the deal hinges on approvals from both CEISD and the Consiliul Concurenței, which will assess competition and national-security implications. The shipyard, previously operated as Damen Shipyards Mangalia, is owned 49% by Damen Holding and 51% by the Ministry of Economy.

Rheinmetall plans to convert the facility into a dual-use yard capable of building both civilian and military vessels, supporting Romania’s contract for four new warships. The acquisition reflects broader foreign-direct investment in Romania’s defence sector and may involve further scrutiny by the European Commission depending on the companies’ turnover.