The deal, announced on 14 September 2025 and expected to close in early 2026 following regulatory approval, will see Rheinmetall take over NVL’s four northern German shipyards, along with its workforce of around 2,100 employees. NVL generates an estimated €1 billion in annual sales from naval projects including frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels and support ships.
For Lürssen, the transaction signals a decisive shift away from military contracts and towards its roots: the construction, refit and repair of some of the world’s largest and most complex yachts..
A Strategic Refocus on Yachting
Lürssen has long been one of the most prominent names in luxury yacht building, with its portfolio including some of the world's largest yachts in the world by LOA, such as Azzam (180m), Blue (160m) and Dilbar (156m). The yard also dominates the YachtBuyer YB100 rankings by Gross Tonnage, holding the top three spots with Dilbar (15,917 GT), Al Said (15,850 GT) and Blue (14,785 GT), cementing its reputation for building the most technically advanced and voluminous superyachts afloat. While its naval division had grown into a major supplier for the German Navy and international clients, the company has increasingly signalled a desire to concentrate fully on its yachting business.
By divesting NVL, the Lürssen family can now devote its full resources and attention to the high-end motor yacht market, a sector that continues to demand ever more innovation in design, engineering, sustainability and after-sales support.
Industry observers suggest the move could pave the way for greater investment in Lürssen’s yacht facilities, from Bremen to Hamburg, and an even sharper focus on bespoke builds and advanced refits.
Implications for the Yacht Market
The sale is expected to reassure yacht clients that Lürssen’s future lies squarely in the private sector, with no distraction from the complexities of defence procurement.
- Increased capacity: With defence contracts no longer in the picture, more shipyard resources may be available for newbuilds and refits.
- Technology transfer: Lürssen’s naval experience in advanced propulsion, stealth design and systems integration could be channelled even more directly into yachting innovations.
- Brand positioning: The company can reinforce its identity as a luxury yacht specialist, at a time when competition from Dutch and Italian yards is intensifying.
Wider Context
The divestment also comes amid a wave of consolidation in European defence shipbuilding, as governments and contractors look to pool capabilities and strengthen supply chains. For Rheinmetall, the NVL acquisition secures a major foothold in naval ship construction to complement its dominance in land systems.
For the yachting world, however, the headline is clear: Lürssen is now 100% a yacht builder. This development is likely to excite clients and designers who see the brand as synonymous with some of the most ambitious projects on the water.
Looking Ahead
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch Intelligence, the world's largest yacht database, there are 12 superyachts currently under construction at Lürssen. The German yard continues to lead the industry in the construction of bespoke megayachts, with standout projects including the 114.2-metre Project Cosmos, the 134.2-metre Deep Blue, and the 122.5-metre Project Omega.
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