Bursztyn Unity Prepares for Christening in Szczecin Ahead of First Passenger Sailing
An important few days lie ahead for Bursztyn Unity. On 9 November, Unity Line’s newest ferry is scheduled to arrive in Szczecin, where its naming and flag-raising ceremonies will take place at Wały Chrobrego.
Before the vessel enters regular service on the Baltic Sea, several important stages of preparation remain. What can be expected in the coming days?
Final Preparations Before Entering Service
The crew of Bursztyn Unity has already been assembled and consists of approximately 50 people responsible for both the safe operation of the vessel and passenger services.
The team is divided into two main groups: the operational crew, including captains, officers, engineers and seafarers, and the hotel crew, responsible for the restaurants, kitchens, bars and passenger cabins. Two captains are currently on board: Wojciech Żukowski and Daniel Kwidziński.
The vessel has also been supplied ahead of the next stage of preparations. Food, technical supplies and water have been delivered on board. So far, the ferry has been bunkered with 120 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG), while its freshwater reserves amount to 160 tonnes.
At present, internal crew training is taking place at berth No. 91 in Świnoujście, covering emergency response procedures and crisis management. External inspections are also being carried out as part of the process required to obtain permission to fly the Polish flag.
Bursztyn Unity to Arrive in Szczecin on 9 November
On Monday, 9 November, Bursztyn Unity is scheduled to depart Świnoujście at 9:00 a.m., following the completion of bunkering operations.
The vessel is expected to berth at Wały Chrobrego in Szczecin around noon, where the main celebrations associated with the new ferry will take place.
The announced times are approximate and may change depending on the duration of bunkering, the captain’s decisions and weather conditions.
A press conference is scheduled to take place on board on 10 November at 12:00 p.m. The official naming and flag-raising ceremony will follow on 11 November at 11:00 a.m.
Krzysztof Wiszniewski, Director of Unity Line, encourages visitors to arrive at Wały Chrobrego early to secure a suitable viewing spot and take part in the celebrations.
He emphasises that the company is delighted by the considerable public interest in Bursztyn Unity and hopes that as many people as possible will be able to share this important occasion.
More Than 2,000 Reservations in Less Than Two Hours
Following the christening ceremony, members of the public will have an opportunity to explore Bursztyn Unity.
Interest in visiting the ferry has been exceptionally high. More than 2,000 places for visits on 12 and 13 November were booked through the reservation system in less than two hours. Registration for both days is now closed.
Katarzyna Antoń, Executive Director of Marketing at POLSCA Baltic Ferries, says the overwhelming response demonstrates the strong public interest in the new vessel.
However, she stresses that visits must comply with strict safety procedures, including limits on the number of people allowed on board at any one time.
For those unable to secure a reservation, an additional opportunity has been arranged.
On Saturday, 14 November, an open day will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with no advance registration required.
Visitors will be able to follow a designated route through the passenger and cargo decks. The tour is expected to take approximately 20 minutes.
Entry will be organised in groups, subject to the vessel’s safety limits and the number of visitors already on board.
Visitors are advised to arrive early, although joining the queue will not guarantee admission.
Those who have already booked visits for 12 or 13 November are asked to arrive on time and release their reservations if they are unable to attend, allowing others to take their places.
When Will Bursztyn Unity Begin Regular Operations?
The ferry’s stay in Szczecin will mark an important milestone, but it will not be the final stage before entering commercial service.
According to Paweł Pluto-Prądzyński, President of the Management Board of POLSCA Baltic Ferries, the vessel will undertake a technical voyage to Sweden following the ceremonies at Wały Chrobrego.
It will then return to Poland carrying passengers, marking the beginning of its commercial operations.
The first scheduled passenger sailing will depart from Ystad on 18 November at 1:00 p.m.
In the initial phase of operations, Bursztyn Unity will serve the Świnoujście–Ystad route, while the ferry Jantar will operate between Świnoujście and Trelleborg.
Following the celebrations in Szczecin and the completion of the remaining preparations, Bursztyn Unity will officially begin regular service on the Baltic Sea.
Source: POLSCA Baltic Ferries / PortalMorski.pl
