Jantar Unity in the final phase of preparation for sea trials

Prototype ferry Ro-Pax built in Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard for the new POLSCA Baltic Ferries brand – futureJantar UnityIt's approaching sea trials. The unit is distinguished not only by modern hybrid LNG drive, but also by advanced maneuverability and operational capability solutions.

Polish Ro-Pax – Polish shipyard – Polish interest

At the Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard, owned by the Remontowa Holding Group, intensive preparations are underway for the first exit of the modern ferry to the sea. They're here.Jantar Unity– because such a name will be given to the NB101 unit – this is the first in the seriesferryRo-Paxcreated for national shipowners on the basis of a public contract financed by the State Treasury. Appropriations allocated to the whole construction programme ferryRo-Pax is PLN 1.3 billion.

The hull of the unit has already been painted in the colors of a new brandPOLSCA Baltic Ferries, and last equipment works are underway on the dock.

The symbolic importance of this stage of work was emphasized by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka, who reminded on the X portal that this was the first visible effect of the new ferry fleet for Polish shipowners.

Hybrid ferry passenger and freight next generation

Building in GdańskJantar Unitywill be powered by four liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, assisted by a battery system. Such a drive, falling into the idea of green navigation, was integrated with two azimutal propulsors on the stern and a pair of forward jet rudders. This solution guarantees the unit much better maneuverability – especially in tight port spaces.

Ferry has a total length of 195,6 m and a width of 32.2 m. The load line reaches 4100 metres, allowing the simultaneous transport of various types of loads – from semi-trailers to sets with drivers. There will also be space for 400 passengers and crew of 50. The design operating speed is 19 knots.

From Unity Line to POLSCA Baltic Ferries

The original assumptions of the project provided for the division of the contract betweenUnity Line(PGM Group) and Polish Baltic Shipping (Polferries). In the end, however, it was decided to establish a joint shipownership company – POLSCA Baltic Ferries – within whichJantar Unitywill conduct commercial voyages. This decision is not only graphic but also strategic – it follows the trend of consolidating the forces of Polish ferry shipping.

The letter of intent on the appointment of POLSCA took place on 16 May in Szczecin, with the participation of representatives of Unity Line, Euroafrica Shipping Line and Polish Baltic Shipping Line.

Jantar – the announcement of the new stage

Construction ferryThese Ro-Pax NB101 and NB102 are the largest passenger and freight project currently carried out in Gdańsk shipyard.Jantar Unityis not just a technical response to market needs – it is also a symbol of a return to the ambition of the shipping state. Next generation units –built in Gdańsk, operated by Polish shipowners and financed by national funds – they are part of the programme to rebuild national shipping potential.

It is worth to add thatJantar UnityIt's not just ferry, but a new standard – setting a direction in both passenger service and building a strong brand of Polish shipping in the Baltic Sea.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz