Construction of specialist units at CRIST shipyard

The potential of CRIST shipyard, construction of specialist units and future contracts with the Shipyard Portal was discussed by board member and financial director Jacek Milewski.

Mariusz Dasiewicz: Does CRIST have potential and wants to participate in the construction of specialised units for the installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Baltic?

Jacek Milewski: Definitely yes. It is worth noting here that as a shipyard building new vessels, we are the leader on a European scale in the construction of specialized ships for wind farm installations and maintenance. In our history we have built four large Jack-up units and several wind farm units. All these contracts have been carried out in close cooperation with European partners, who are now leaders in the industry. In the last few years, we have participated in intensified commercial and technical discussions on the new generation of installation ships for offshore wind farms.

M.D.: What effects of the war in Ukraine are directly felt in the current operation of CRIST Shipyard?

J.M.: As a shipbuilding group, of course, we feel the consequences of the war directly affecting us. I think that their effect is similar to that of other manufacturing companies. I mean, above all, a sharp increase in the cost of direct production, due to the rise in energy, gas or galloping inflation. A major concern for many production companies is also the global instability in the material supply market.

I get the impression that the process of breaking logistics chains started during the pandemic has intensified as a result of ongoing conflicts in the world. This applies both to the availability of products that are the equipment of the built units as well as to the prices of steel products and other raw materials. All these difficulties are also reflected in the financial and monetary markets. It must be remembered that, as a shipbuilding group, more than 98 percent of our production is export products. That is why, given these factors, we had to make a minor revolution within the organisation, which helps us monitor and analyse the impact of external factors on our implementation on an ongoing basis. Of course, in a managerial perspective, we consider this as an opportunity and additional factors for developing and strengthening our position in global markets.

M.D.: Is it due to recent implementation of subsequent ferryThis hybrid shipyard CRIST has orders for further such projects?

J.M.: I get the impression that our hybrid units are highly rated by our customers and the market. I would like to mention that the first built in Europe ferry The hybrid, which was created in our shipyard, was named Ship of the Year in 2018. Then we built a few more units of this type. We are currently conducting discussions on the construction of further units. I think that, due to economics and ecology, hybrid systems will increasingly be used in maritime transport, and in the near future they will be the majority of modern units.

M.D.: Can you tell the readers of the Shipyard Portal something about the construction of ships for the French Navy?

J.M.: In our history, we have implemented many individuals of different destiny. Of course, due to the contract records with our clients, we cannot talk about the details of these implementations. We are also currently in talks with potential counterparties.

M.D.: Recently, a contract was signed for the construction of the Polish ferry by Remontowa holding company, or does CRIST plan to establish a broader cooperation and support Remontowa in the execution of future orders?

J.M.: I admit that we participated in preliminary discussions on construction cooperation ferryfor the Polish shipowner. Due to our business profile, contracts must be signed months in advance and our order portfolio for the next several months is full and we are unable to accommodate all available projects. I personally believe that as a region, we are strongly linked to the maritime economy and shipbuilding industry. We must support each other and together build potential throughout our region. That is why we are always open to cooperation and we do not rule out that we will support the Remont Holding in the future.

M.D.: What would CRIST shipyard wish for in subsequent years?

J.M.: Looking at everything that is happening in the world and what has a direct impact on our market position, I think we need greater predictability and market stability. We have very good competences supported bya tremendous experience and well-educated staff ready to implement complex projects. Our history and our current order book speaks for itself. I think market stability is something that many companies need these days. We can handle the rest.

Mariusz Dasiewicz spoke