The preliminary agreement allows TKMS to begin central preparations, including early procurement and initial production work, ahead of a final build decision. Preparatory activities are scheduled to begin in February 2026 and are designed to ensure the project can progress without delay once a full construction contract is approved.
“The preliminary agreement lays the foundation for the immediate ramp-up of the project,” said Dr. Oliver Juckenhöfel, Executive Vice President Surface Vessels at TKMS. “In particular, the agreement enables us to procure materials and begin immediate steelwork at the shipyard.”
The agreement initially covers procurement and work with a volume of up to €50 million through the end of March, with options for staged extensions if required. While the signing marks the official start of the MEKO A-200 DEU project, TKMS said a final construction contract has not yet been concluded and the decision on this remains pending.
