The Romanian state is looking for a new investor in Mangalia Shipyard

The Damen shipyard in Galati delivered on Thursday to the Pakistani Navy its third offshore ship "Patrol Vessel" for anti-piracy operations, sea rescue and maritime security of trade routes.

While the shipyard in Galati has numerous orders for military ships, yachts and ferries around the world, Damen Holding has instead decided to withdraw from Mangalia, where it manages the shipyard in which the Romanian state owns 51% of the shares.

Following the opening of insolvency proceedings for unpaid debts to the parent company, more than 1.000 of the 1.480 employees have been laid off.

Florin Spataru, State Councillor: The Ministry of Economy is also providing some of the necessary funds to be able to carry out its activities. The Romanian government is currently considering the situation in Mangalia in order to find a solution, of course by creating a new partnership with an investor who wants to continue the activity.

Damen Galati also has orders from Pakistan, the Netherlands, Portugal and Canada, and the relocation of workers from the Mangalia shipyard is not ruled out. 1.500 people have contributed over the past two years to the construction of the ship, which officially entered the Pakistani Navy in the port of Constanta.

Daniel Vrabie, project manager: I think the workforce will have to be scaled up next year. There are already discussions for sure, the manpower is welcome.

Mangalia's employees who are technically unemployed will receive 75% of their basic salary by the end of the year.

Translated by: Radu Matei