Danish Defence Minister Visits MEST Shipyard in the Faroe Islands

Eva Andrésen
4 days ago
2 min read

The Danish Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, paid a visit to MEST Shipyard on Friday to gain first-hand insight into the Faroe Islands’ strong maritime capabilities.

Accompanied by Chief of Defence Michael Hyldgaard and a delegation, the minister toured the facilities and learned about the shipyard’s current and historical operations.

The visit comes at a time when the Arctic and North Atlantic regions are of growing strategic importance. MEST is expected to play a key role in supporting defence and commercial fleets through newbuild projects, maintenance, and repair services.

During the visit, MEST’s leadership team – CEO Mouritz Mohr, CFO Bartal Kass, and Head of Sales & Procurement Richard Mortensen – presented the shipyard’s capabilities and future plans. The minister was introduced to ongoing projects and the yard’s extensive experience serving the North Atlantic fleet for more than 120 years.

About MEST Shipyard

MEST is the fourth-largest shipyard in the Kingdom of Denmark, employing over 500 people and generating annual revenues exceeding DKK 500 million. With three locations, the company offers comprehensive repair and maintenance services and has delivered 117 newbuildings, with two more currently under construction.

The shipyard’s skilled workforce covers a wide range of disciplines, including steelwork, hydraulics, electrical systems, machining, surface treatment, and logistics. MEST is recognized for its rapid response capability and strategic location for servicing vessels operating in the North Atlantic.

Future Expansion

MEST is investing in a new 150-metre dry dock, scheduled for completion in October 2026. This facility will complement the existing dry dock in Skála and enhance the yard’s capacity to handle larger vessels.

Dry Dock Specifications:

Current: 115 m x 20 m x 6.5 m (with azimuth pit)
New (2026): 150 m x 33 m x 11.5 m

Additional infrastructure includes three slipways (1,000–2,500 tons), advanced construction halls, strong crane capacity, and a spare parts warehouse with over 45,000 items.

With its strategic location, modern facilities, and skilled workforce, MEST Shipyard is positioned to play a vital role in maritime operations in the Arctic and North Atlantic for years to come.