Order of Polar Star for Marek Czernis from Szczecin

Marek Czernis, honorary consul of Sweden in Szczecin, was awarded the Knight's Cross of the First Class of the Order of Polar Star. This is one of the most important Swedish state distinctions, awarded to people who are particularly well-deserved for the Kingdom of Sweden and its interests.

For the marine environment, this is a good opportunity to recall the work of a lawyer who has been combining the practice of maritime law, consular activity and industry journalism for years.

Swedish honorary consul award in Szczecin

On 11 June 2026, Swedish Ambassador to Poland Martin Quick handed Mark Czernis the Knight's Cross of the First Class of the Royal Order of Polar Star. The award was given by King Charles XVI of Sweden.

Marek Czernis has served as the honorary consul of Sweden in Szczecin since 2017, therefore the award has not only diplomatic dimension. It also applies to his long-term activity at the interface of law, maritime economy and Polish-Swedish cooperation.

Szczecin is a natural place for this cooperation. It is a port town, strongly linked to the Baltic, shipping, logistics and shipbuilding. The activities of the Swedish Honorary Consulate in this region are therefore not limited to representation functions. In practice, it supports economic, institutional and social contacts between Western Pomerania and Sweden.

Maritime law and long-term practice of lawyers

Marek Czernis is the founder of Szczecin law firm Marek Czernis Law Firm. The law firm specializes in maritime law, transport, insurance and international economic trade. It has been operating since 1995, and its development shows well how important specialised legal service is in the maritime economy.

Maritime law is not an easy area. It requires knowledge of international conventions, shipownership practices, shipbuilding contracts, insurance, cargo disputes, charters and the rules of party liability. This is why Mark Czernis' publications have real value for the industry – they order difficult issues from the practical side, without publicist simplifications.

This is particularly important for the Shipyard Portal. Our portal describes not only warships, shipyards and maritime transport, but also legal maritime management facilities. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to understand the mechanisms Shipbuilding, construction of shipbuilding contracts or disputes between shipowners, shipyards and contracting authorities.

Author of important texts for our portal

This is why Marek Czernis is the author of many texts published on the Shipyard Portal – texts which, step by step, explain the mechanisms behind ship building, shipbuilding contracts and disputes in the maritime industry. In its publications, it addresses topics that some readers may seem niche, but in practice are of great importance for the operation of the shipbuilding industry.

In our pages, he wrote, among other things, about ship building agreements, delays in construction and delivery, the rules of force majeure clauses, guarantees "on first demand", letters of intent in shipbuilding negotiations, maritime piracy and contractual liability. These are not texts written for quick effect – they are materials worth returning to when you need to understand how the shipbuilding and shipping market really works.

This is particularly important today, when simplification often prevails in public debate. Maritime management needs not only effective information about new ships, ports or investments. It also needs people who can explain legal mechanisms without which no major shipbuilding investment can be carried out safely.

Honored and Well Addressed

The Order of the Polar Star for Mark Czernis is a distinction earned not only in the diplomatic dimension. It is also a recognition of the consistent work of a man who has been operating at the interface of law, shipping, maritime industry and international cooperation for many years.

From the perspective of Szczecin, this is of additional importance. A city that has built its identity around the port, shipyard and Oder for decades needs people who can combine local competences with international contacts. The consular activity of Marek Czernis fits well into the economic nature of the region.

Its educational role is also important. Through publications, comments and professional activity, it shows that maritime law is not an addition to the industry, but one of its foundations. A well-designed contract, proper contractual security, correct notification or precise determination of the parties' liability may decide whether to succeed or fail multimillion-dollar contract.

Congratulations on our reaction.

On behalf of myself and our editorial board, I congratulate Mr Mark Czernis on receiving the Order of Polar Star.

This award is a reason for satisfaction not only for Mr. We thank you for the texts published on our portal, for sharing knowledge and for keeping in mind that not only steel, design and financing are behind every major maritime investment, but also well. understood law.

Mr Marku, we warmly congratulate and wish you further success in your professional, consular and public activities.