Offshore fleet as a chance for Polish shipyards

The creation of conditions for the development of offshore industries is an opportunity for the Polish shipbuilding industry. However, rapid action and decisive decisions of the government are needed – they assessed according to the participants of the panel "Flota offshore with a chance for Polish shipyards?", which was held as part of the 3rd edition of the Vision of Development Forum in Gdynia.

According to the debate, maritime companies are already an important supplier of equipment and services to the global offshore sector, in particular in the area of specialised units. They also have an established and strong position on the European market.

According to Grzegorz Strzelczyk, President of the Management Board of Lotos Petrobaltic S.A., a national offshore wind operator should be created by the end of this year, which, among others, would order the construction of installation ships for wind farms and maintenance work in contact with investors. He thinks it's the last bell. to appoint such an entity.

He recalled that according to the current energy policy, wind farms are expected to start operating from 2023 to 2025. "If the investment process of the installation ships takes at least 36 months, it is high time to make a decision and create a national offshore operator" - said Strzelczyk. He warned that otherwise foreign operators would build wind farms for Polish concessionaries on the Polish shelf.

In a similar vein, other panel participants spoke. "We observe that shipowners renew their fleets, invest in modern technologies and support shipyards, such as Canada. This state invested through a private investor and built new shipyards only to take care of its maritime economy," said Dorota Arcziewska, President of the Board of the Polish Oceanic Lines.

It also believes that shipyards should be supported and developed in Poland, despite the ongoing pandemic. New ships appear on the market, no one fills pears in ash.

However, the shipbuilding industry requires state support. Appropriate steps are already being taken. "An example of real actions is the steps taken by the IDA, which are part of the strategy for responsible development of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. This integration of assets in the sphere state and investment decisions to create conditions for further development" – said Mateusz Berger, Vice President of the Industrial Development Agency.

One positive example was given by the company Baltic Operator, which has already gained a strong international position, which is supervised by the ARP. "We are conducting a number of investment activities to create an ecosystem and facilities for offshore energy. If no company with the State Treasury has so far engaged in active shipbuilding, it is not possible to make a diametric change in one or two years. Our actions aim to create good conditions for Polish entrepreneurs" - stated President Berger.

Source: PAP