Offshore and shipping are expected to drive Polish shipyards. Szczecin wants to use the moment

The 12th International Maritime Congress, held in Szczecin on 12–13 May, showed that the Polish shipbuilding industry wants to speak with a strong voice again. At the heart of the discussion were offshore, new technologies, autonomous units, staff and the question whether Europe could afford to abandon its own shipyards.

Shipyards, offshore and new technologies

This year's Congress was devoted to the most important challenges of the maritime economy. The organisers have planned debates and panels on security in the Baltic, ports, shipping, supply chains, offshore and shipbuilding. 

The panel on the shipbuilding industry was attended by representatives of the leading companies in the sector: SSN "Wulkan", PGZ War Shipyard, Nauta Shiprepair Yard, CRIST, Net Marine Group and Kongsberg Maritime. The panel's programme included, among others, expectations of the shipping and offshore market, scenarios for the development of European shipyards and the role of autonomous units and drones as a new area of shipbuilding production.

Kowalczyk: shipbuilding must be close to the market

Congress' strategic partner was Szczecińska Shipyard "The Volcano"Radosław Kowalczyk, President of the Management Board of the company, represented the Szczecin plant in the discussion on the future of the European shipbuilding industry. The "volcano" theme was important, because the Szczecin shipyard rebuilds its position and increasingly clearly marks its presence in industrial projects.

The European shipbuilding industry must respond to real market needs: offshore, new technologies and autonomous units. These are areas where Polish shipyards can build their position if they have stable facilities, people and orders.

Radosław Kowalczyk, President of SSN "Wulkan"

Ryngwelski: the most expensive starts after launching

PGZ Stocznia Wojenna was also a Strategic Partner of the 12th International Maritime Congress. Marcin Ryngwelski, president of the plant from Gdynia Oxywia, emphasized the importance of the national repair and service facilities for the Navy. He pointed out that the construction of the ship alone was about 25% of the total cost his life cycle. The remainder falls into decades of service, renovation, modernization and work of people who know the ship from the inside.

Building a unit is only the beginning of a long road. The true value of the shipbuilding industry is later determined by people, the maintenance and ability to modernise ships for decades to come..

Marcin Ryngwelski, President of the Polish Naval Shipyard

Common denominator: people and competences

The Szczecin congress showed that the discussion of shipyards is no longer limited to the price of building a ship or a ship. More and more important are staff, industry schools, co-operators, service and ability to maintain individuals throughout the life cycle.

This is particularly important at a time when Poland develops offshore, invests in ports, strengthens maritime security and runs large ship programs. Without its own industrial background, even the best contract quickly becomes a dependence on external suppliers.

Shipyard Day returns as a sign of industry unity

By the way of the congress PGZ War Shipyard She also reminded of Shipyard Day. The initiative is intended to show the strength of the entire environment: shipyards, ports, cooperators and the Navy. The upcoming celebration is scheduled for June 28.