STX France’s chief executive has indicated a takeover of the Korean-controlled shipbuilder is not imminent.

Laurent Castaing told AFP that no prospective buyer had visited the yard as yet.

The status quo is always a possibility in case no buyer appears, Castaing added.

STX France is 66.6% owned by STX Europe, which wants to sell, and 33.3% by the French government, which retains a right to veto a deal.

French