Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is still striving for independence

KIEL (dpa-AFX) – The marine company thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) wants to continue to be independent. “Our owner (Thyssenkrupp AG) recently confirmed this again,” said shipyard boss Oliver Burkhard of the German Press Agency. “An independent Marine Systems is a better way forward: for Thyssenkrupp, TKMS, for our customers, for Berlin and thus for Germany. In this way we create value and give the opportunity for a strong German position in the expected and overdue European consolidation. “

According to reports, several variants seem possible: the entry of outside capital providers (private equity), an IPO or partial IPO and/or an entry by the state. Burkhard emphasized that there are several ways open to TKMS, which are currently being well prepared. The topic is very complex. “We didn’t wait for others to come up with ideas. We see ourselves as the shapers of this industry and we’re the only ones who can shape it because we’re the right size,” said the CEO.

TKMS is now not only the largest shipyard in Germany, but the only provider in Europe that combines submarines, ships and the electronics division (Atlas) under one roof. It is important to have many skills and a certain size to be successful in the industry. According to Burkhard, being the only private company with these characteristics is both a challenge and a design task. “The turning point is here, that’s a good thing. What’s still missing are the right framework conditions to raise Germany to almost the same level as the rest of Europe.”

Burkhard reacted calmly to the last German consolidation proposal made by the Lürssen shipyard: “Our independence continues to have priority, but there is no doubt that a German solution would make sense.” but without result. Industry experts see it as too time-consuming and complicated to tackle this again before going independent. This is the right approach, but at the wrong time.

However, it is essential to talk about a level playing field (level playing field) in all scenarios, stressed Burkhard. That could happen through the entry of the federal government. The French Naval Group, for example, is 71 percent state-owned. The same applies to the shipyards in Spain or Italy. “The federal government should also say what it intends to do with Marine Systems.” He can do that by placing orders, he can do that by creating framework conditions. “He can also participate,” said the company boss. Burkhard praised the greatly improved cooperation with the federal government since Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) took office. “With Pistorius, the turning point has also arrived at the top of the Federal Ministry of Defense.”/moe/DP/he

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