The industry wants more time to build the successor of "Daru Youth"

The Maritime University of Gdynia concluded consultations with potential contractors after the first tender for designing and building the successor Youth Gift no offer has been made. In particular, the industry calls for an extension of time to prepare tenders and to complete the entire contract.

Consultations were held until 31 July. Their aim was to collect the information needed to re-determine the subject matter of the contract, the provisions of the future contract and to estimate the investment costs. The university is in the analysis stage of the recommendations currently submitted and announces the next procedure as soon as possible.

The schedule proved to be one of the main problems

First tender It was announced on 23 April and the deadline for the submission of tenders was set for 1 July. The proceeding ended without the participation of the contractors. The original schedule provided for the contract to be signed in 2026, the start of production work in 2027 and the delivery of a ready-made sailboat in 2028.

The information provided after the consultation reinforces the earlier assumption that the problem did not have to be the lack of interest in the construction of the ship itself, but the conditions, deadlines and level of risk transferred to the contractor. At this stage, however, it cannot be determined whether the investment budget or technical requirements will also change in the second tender.

It is worth noting that even before the first tender was announced, UMG conducted market consultations from January to March 2026. The next round was only held after the procedure was completed without tenders. The question therefore arises as to why previous discussions with the market did not lead to a timetable that would allow economic operators to make binding proposals.

Discussion of the school ship profile

Apart from the mere tender in the marine environment, there is a discussion on whether the new school vessel should remain a sailing ship, or prepare students more for work on offshore units. Comments suggest the construction of a ship equipped with dynamic positioning systems, a ROV submarine and equipment encountered on ships operating offshore wind farms.

This is a legitimate subject for further discussion, but it should not be directly linked to the results of the consultations concluded. The available information does not suggest that potential performers challenge the concept of a hold ship. Their publicly indicated comments relate primarily to the time needed to prepare the tender and to execute the contract.

The new ship is expected to be about 112 metres long, mechanical-hybrid drive and places for 169 people, including 120 apprentices. UMG assumes that it will serve both to train future merchant fleet officers and to represent Poland during international maritime events.

School boat or offshore boat?

Under mine last text of an unsuccessful tender for successor Youth Gift There have been voices that instead of the UMG sailboat should order an OSV type ship with a dynamic positioning system and a ROV submarine.

However, such a ship would prepare students mainly to work in the offshore sector. The sailboat serves wider sea training: watch learning, navigation, crew organisation and ship responsibility. No substitute for specialist courseThis DP, but OSV also does not reflect the work on a container, ferry, tanker or bulker.

Therefore, the dispute should not concern the appropriateness of building a successor Youth Gift, but how to equip a new ship and set up a practice programme to meet modern shipping requirements. The completed consultations did not call into question the concept of a sailboat. Potential contractors have first of all highlighted the too short time allowed for the preparation of tenders and execution of contracts.

Can Poland afford a new The Gift of Youth?

Construction of a ship for PLN 350 million, which according to the assumptions UMG is intended to serve for another 40 years, means spending less than PLN 9 million per year of operation. Countries with lower per capita income than Poland also decided on their own school sailboats. Vietnam exploits built in Gdańsk Lê Quý ĐônAlgeria has El Mellahand Indonesia KRI Bima Suci.

This does not mean consent to any price and any contract terms. However, it shows that having a school boat depends primarily on state priorities. Poland, as a maritime country with its own education and long-standing traditions, has the basis to finance a ship serving subsequent generations of personnel, while showing the Polish flag in ports around the world. Such presence is not only symbolic and promotional, but also serves to build the image of Poland as a maritime state.