WISMAR, Germany - Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has expanded its workforce in Wismar as approximately 140 new employees began operations at the shipyard. This increase brings the total headcount at the facility to more than 400 personnel, marking a significant phase in the site's transition into a hybrid production center for both submarines and surface vessels.
The Wismar shipyard is undergoing a technical overhaul to accommodate a diversified product portfolio. Current plans involve more than 200 million euros in capital expenditure over the coming years to modernize hall infrastructure and install a specialized production line for submarines. By the end of 2029, the workforce is projected to reach 1,500 employees, contingent upon the progression of the company’s order book.
Production at the site is scheduled to include segments of the Type 212CD submarine program for the German and Norwegian navies. The facility is also designated to handle components for the proposed F127 frigate project and the construction of the Polarstern II research icebreaker. These projects are supported by a record order backlog of approximately EUR18.2 billion as of late 2025.
The expansion follows several major contract wins during the previous fiscal year. The German Navy increased its order for 212CD submarines from two to six units, while Norway’s intent to order two additional vessels has brought the joint program to its maximum planned volume of twelve submarines. Beyond domestic projects, TKMS is currently fulfilling orders for Asian customers and is engaged in contract negotiations with India and Canada.
The development of the Wismar site provides TKMS with the industrial capacity required to manage its current backlog while positioning the facility as one of the largest naval construction hubs in Germany alongside its primary location in Kiel.
The expansion of the Wismar shipyard represents a strategic shift in European naval procurement and industrial sovereignty. By converting a former commercial shipbuilding site into a high-tech naval facility, Germany is securing the industrial base necessary to meet the rising demand for underwater warfare capabilities within NATO. This move addresses a chronic capacity bottleneck in European defense manufacturing, ensuring that the ambitious German-Norwegian submarine program remains on schedule despite a tightening global security environment.
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