Modern and innovative ships from Polish shipyards
By Marek Grzybowski
The General Assembly of Members of the Employers’ Association FORUM OKRĘTOWE was held on 9 April 2025. The Forum adopted assumptions that are to constitute the basis of the long-term strategy for the development of the shipbuilding industry in Poland. The assumptions were presented by Ireneusz Karaśkiewicz, Director of the FORUM OKRĘTOWE Office.
Europe is moving towards strengthening its leading role in the world in the design and construction of technologically advanced vessels. We are at a turning point: decarbonization, digitalization – including the development of Artificial Intelligence – are gaining momentum and will change the face of the maritime sector in the coming years. We also face challenges related to our security and the necessary development of war production. The future is the time of innovators – said Ireneusz Karaśkiewicz.
Strategy objective
The objective of these assumptions to the Strategy is to create conditions and a system of incentives in Poland for the construction and reconstruction of fully equipped, technically advanced vessels designed by design offices located in Poland. Only this type of production with high added value based on advanced “know-how” can stimulate the development of the industry and generate high profits, from which it will be possible to finance large development investments so necessary for the constant modernization of the industry and joining the global technological race.
Key proposals:
The maritime economy, of which the shipbuilding industry is a part and is of key importance for the development and security of Poland, should be supervised by a separate ministry, directly subordinate to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland.
Financing: Financing the shipbuilding industry is a key element in stimulating its development. Therefore, we propose to introduce the following financial instruments to support shipbuilding in Poland.
Financing shipbuilding: Cooperation with the government is necessary – as our competitors from the Far East do. Loans/credit lines granted by commercial banks to Polish shipyards and also to Polish shipowners for the construction of vessels should have government guarantees.
Government support for the development of “know-how” in Poland: Design offices, research centers, shipyards should be able to deduct tax on the costs side.
Modernization Fund: Modernization Fund, which will provide low-interest, long-term loans for the development and purchase of modern technologies, increasing their efficiency and competences.
Education: A fundamental condition for the development of the shipbuilding industry in Poland is to ensure a constant supply of qualified personnel.
Education for the shipbuilding industry should be supervised sectorally by the future Ministry of Maritime Economy – Department of Maritime Education.
Higher education, currently provided mainly by the Gdańsk University of Technology, but also by the Naval Academy in Gdynia, the Maritime University in Gdynia, the Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin and the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, is of key importance for the shipbuilding industry.
Research and development work: There is an urgent need to create a leader or group of leaders for the shipping industry who would take the initiative. Their scope of activity would include: Initiating research and development work by identifying needs and creating teams from entities from the shipping industry to implement and implement them, obtaining funds from the Horizon Europe program, available at the National Center for Research and Development, and others.
Privatization of shipyards: all Polish shipyards operating in the commercial area should be privatized, retaining the necessary state participation only in companies that are key to Poland’s security. Privatization should be preceded by restructuring.
Polish Shipbuilding industry needs a large leading shipyard leader
Stop the expansion of developers into the shipyard and shipyard-related areas