Shipyards: SQ Freienohl on the brink of collapse

It is a bitter moment for the boat builders in Sauerland. Once again, they have their backs to the wall. According to YACHT, the shipyard will be wound up by the end of the year. The employees have already received their redundancy notices. What is to become of the site where Dehler was founded 50 years ago and which until recently was known for its high quality craftsmanship is completely open.

As majority shareholder Bert Schattschneider confirmed to YACHT online, he has already filed for liquidation. Customers and suppliers will be informed of the closure in the next few days.

"We tried everything and were still at Interboot with our SQ 25 in September," said Schattschneider. However, despite very positive signals and serious interest, no sales contracts were concluded. "As difficult as it is, you just have to accept that."

SQ Freienohl had not only focussed on its own small yacht; the concept also included refitting older boats and, in particular, contract manufacturing for other brands, including Biehlmarin and Comfortina. However, even this was not enough to ensure the shipyard's capacity utilisation. "We deliberately spread the risk across several mainstays," says Schattschneider. "But none of them were strong enough."

It has not yet been clarified what will happen to the moulds, trademark rights, machines and employees. Talks with investors are apparently underway. However, it seems very doubtful whether the company will remain in its current size and form. Will this mean the end of half a century of boatbuilding in Sauerland? Or will the workforce once again find a solution, as they did two years ago after the relocation of Dehler production? It is to be expected.