Rheinmetall steps into naval shipbuilding sector with planned NVL takeover

September 15, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has agreed with the Lürssen Group on the key terms of an acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL B.V.) and all its subsidiaries.

As disclosed, the parties intend to formally conclude the transaction in the near future. Subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities, the companies are aiming to complete the acquisition in early 2026.

“In future, we will be a relevant player on land, on water, in the air and in space. Rheinmetall is thus developing into a cross-domain system house,” Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, said.

“With the newly agreed acquisition, we are taking a decisive step forward in consolidating the defence industry in Germany and Europe. Combined with Rheinmetall’s expertise, we are creating a vital German powerhouse for state-of-the-art vessels.”

“We are delighted to have found a trustworthy and strong partner in Rheinmetall, which can secure a successful future for NVL and its employees,” Friedrich Lürßen, Managing Partner of Lürssen Maritime Beteiligungen, commented.

Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Rheinmetall has established itself as a supplier worldwide, particularly in the field of army technology. However, the current conflict situation reveals that military enforcement capabilities are also becoming increasingly important in the naval sector.

Due to that, the company intends to meet the massive increase in demand from naval forces and rising procurement budgets with new system solutions that cover the entire spectrum – from platforms and electronics to sensors and effectors.

NVL is a privately owned shipyard group with four shipyards in northern Germany (Peene-Werft/ Wolgast, Blohm+Voss and Norderwerft/ Hamburg, Neue Jadewerft/ Wilhelmshaven) as well as international locations.

Since its beginnings around 150 years ago, NVL has built around 1,000 ships at its shipyards and delivered them to over fifty different navies and coast guards.

Formerly known as Lürssen Defence, NVL was separated from the yacht division in 2021 and continued as an independent company within the family-run Lürssen Group.

Germany: Lürssen, German Naval Yards unveil merger plan

Industry

To remind, NVL recently signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Kraken Technology to accelerate the development and scale production of autonomous surface vessel capabilities.

The JV aims to rapidly meet the globally growing demand for market-ready, scalable, uncrewed platforms of various sizes for both military and civilian applications, such as the surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure.

Through this joint venture, NVL is expanding its capabilities as a shipbuilding group and system integrator, specialising in the construction of complex naval vessels to include interaction between crewed naval vessels and autonomous uncrewed platforms.