Scandlines, which operates ferries on short haul crossings between Germany and Denmark, has reportedly acquired the two ferry newbuildings from the administrators of P+S Werften, the German shipyard.

Scandlines has, according to German media reports, agreed to pay about €32 million for the two large short haul ferries it had ordered from P+S Werften, but which it refused to accept after it had emerged that the ships weighed more than contracted and could therefore carry less cargo. The shipyard went bankrupt as a result

In July, the ferry company that is owned by 3i, the London based international investor, signed a preliminary contract with STX Finland to build two ferries there instead. However, in the autumn shipyard said that work on a final contract had ben suspended. Finnish media reports said the shipbuilder, which is part of the South Korean STX Offshore & Shipbuilding group that is facing deep financial problems, had been unable to arrange working capital to secure finalising the deal with Scandlines.

STX Finland only has two 99,300 gross ton cruise ships on order, both for TUI Cruises in Germany with deliveries in the first half of 2014 and 2015 respectively. The German company is said to be interested in ordering two more vessels of the same type, but the company has delined to comment on these rumours.