Genting Hong Kong, the Hong Kong based cruise shipping group, says it has exercised an option to acquire full ownership of Lloyd Werft, the German shipbuilding and refit group.

Before it exercised the option, Genting Hong Kong owned 70% of the shares in Lloyd Werft. It paid €16.5 million for the remaining 30% stake in the company.

Genting Hong Kong has decided to award to Lloyd Werft contracts to build river yachts and ocean going luxury cruise vessels that will be operated by its Los Angeles based Crystal Cruises subsidiary.