Bursa.ro reported that the Romanian government is preparing a potential full takeover of Damen Mangalia as it considers converting the shipyard into a military production facility financed through the EU’s SAFE mechanism. The report added that Rheinmetall could become involved after the state addresses the yard’s legal and financial issues.

Romania already holds 51% of Damen Mangalia. Damen had managed the remaining 49% before withdrawing, a move that placed financial pressure on the Black Sea shipyard and sharpened focus on its future.

According to Bursa.ro, the government’s direction can be read from both a draft legislative framework and recent statements by defence minister Radu Miruță. A draft emergency ordinance reviewed in first reading on 19 March would create tools allowing the state to intervene directly in companies considered to be of strategic interest.

The proposed measures include pre-emptive rights over shares and assets, monitoring mechanisms and possible intervention when key industrial capacities are at risk. Bursa.ro said the sectors named in the draft include defence, maritime and port industries, transport and energy, placing Damen Mangalia within the scope of the planned framework.

The report said this points to a two-step approach. First, the state would seek to stabilise the shipyard and secure control using the new legal instruments. Second, it would seek to connect the yard to European defence production programmes financed at EU level.

Bursa.ro also cited political and military sources as saying Rheinmetall is viewed as a likely candidate for a future role at the shipyard. The report said the German defence group has recently expanded into the naval sector and is interested in enlarging its manufacturing footprint in Eastern Europe.

If such a plan moves forward, Bursa.ro reported that Damen Mangalia could be aligned with wider European rearmament efforts. However, ownership arrangements and operational control have not yet been clarified.