Meyer Werft (Builders of the MV Ems) The Meyer Werft - Jos. L. Meyer GmbH - at Papenburg/Ems was founded in 1795 and has been owned by the Meyer family ever since. During the last decades Meyer Werft has achieved an excellent reputation for the building of special-purpose vessels, in particular, passenger ships, luxury car/passenger ferries and Ro-Ro vessels.

Up to date more than 60 of the above types of vessels have been built by Meyer Werft. Furthermore, the Yard is specialised in the building of passenger-ships and gas carriers for the transport of liquid and chemical gases. Presently about 60 passengerships/ferries and 47 gas carriers have been delivered. Ship repair activities are mainly concentrated on jumboizing and converting ferries, passenger ships, freighters, and tankers. In addition, the Yard is the world's leader in converting freighters and tankers into livestock carriers. Up to now 25 vessels of this type have been converted for the transport of sheep and cows as well as camels and horses. Apart from the above-mentioned activities the Meyer Werft is also engaged in structural construction and engine building, which includes the fabrication of pressure tanks and special aluminium constructions. In 1975 a new shipyard was built which belongs to the most modern in Europe. In November 1987 the largest graving dock under roof was inaugurated which had to be lengthened by 100 m already in 1990/91. Presently about 2000 staff are employed.

Jumboizing  (meaning) ... Jumboization is a technique in shipbuilding consisting of enlarging a ship by adding an entire section to it. By contrast with refitting or installation of equipment, jumboization is a long and complex endeavour which can require a specialized shipyard.

So far the Yard has built respectively has under construction/on order:

Cruise vessels 16

Cruise ferries 1

Passenger vessels 20

Car/passenger ferries 30

Ro-Ro vessels 7

Gas carriers 47

Livestock carriers 26