Poland Funds First Tranche for New Training and Research Vessel at Szczecin Maritime University
The Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin has taken a major step toward acquiring its first purpose-built research vessel, as Polish authorities signed an agreement on Monday to transfer the initial funding tranche of over 100 million złoty toward the design and construction of a new training and research ship.
The signing ceremony took place in Szczecin, with Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka in attendance. The government has allocated nearly one billion złoty for the largest investment programme in the history of Polish maritime universities, with a significant portion — 625 million złoty — earmarked specifically for the Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin to fund the new vessel.
Marchewka stressed that the ship will serve far more than a conventional training role. It is set to be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including underwater drones and robotics, and will support scientific research in addition to student education. He also highlighted that Polish maritime universities have so far lacked a vessel of this scale and capability, and have had to rely on ships belonging to other countries.
“We are committed to the maritime economy, and without a qualified workforce, without skilled professionals, it will not be possible to carry out the key investments needed to develop that sector,” Marchewka said.
The minister confirmed that steel cutting is expected to begin as early as next year, adding: “The money is reserved and transferred — there is no turning back. We are building a new ship.”
Successor to the Nawigator XXI
The new vessel will replace the Nawigator XXI, built nearly 30 years ago, and represents the largest investment in the history of the Szczecin maritime university. It is expected to be ready within four years.
Rector Professor Wojciech Ślączka announced that full tender documentation will be ready by June, with a public tender for design and construction to be launched around the summer. He described the vessel as serving a dual purpose: primarily educational, but also a powerful scientific platform available to both domestic and international academic communities within the framework of cross-border research projects.
The rector emphasised that the ship will cater to a broad range of students — not only navigation students, but also those studying fields such as IT and mechatronics.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The future vessel will be 93 metres long, 18 metres wide, with a draught of 6.5 to 7 metres, and its structural design will ensure safe navigation even in extreme conditions.
“It will be able to sail almost anywhere, including polar regions. We want it to also be able to support Poland’s research station at both poles,” the rector explained.
The as-yet-unnamed ship — whose name will be chosen through a public competition — will be equipped with modern eco-friendly propulsion systems, satellite navigation, underwater robots, and onboard laboratories. Its areas of scientific focus will include hydrography, marine geology, the offshore sector, and the ecosystems of seas and oceans.
Part of a Broader National Programme
On 30 September last year, the Polish government adopted a resolution establishing the multi-year programme “Construction of Ships for Maritime Universities in 2025–2029,” developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure. For a total of 975 million złoty, two vessels are to be built: a three-masted sailing ship for the Gdynia Maritime University — the successor to the Dar Młodzieży (launched in 1981) — and the research vessel for the Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin.
The programme marks a landmark moment for Polish maritime education, signalling a significant state commitment to modernising the country’s maritime academic infrastructure and strengthening its position in European and global maritime research.
