Romania's government could try to buy DSME's stake in the Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries (DMHI) shipyard, according to a report.
Prime minister Mihai Tudose was quoted as telling Antena 3 TV that the state is in talks with the Korean yard group to purchase its 51% stake to add to the country's 49% slice.
He added it was important for Romania to have a state-owned shipyard to build military and commercial ships. Other reports said the country will exercise its pre-emptive right to buy the shares.
But Dutch shipbuilder Damen struck a deal in November to buy DSME's 51% holding for KRW 29bn ($25.9m).
Damen told TradeWinds it was in the process of finalising its deal with the Romanian government.
"There has been a delay in the process, but we are working towards a successful outcome," a spokesman added.
DMHI was established in 1997 as a joint venture between DSME and 2 Mai Mangalia Shipyard.
It has racked up losses of $800m over the last five years, according to Romanian economy minister Alexandru Petrescu.
DMHI has built 127 tankers and boxships.
