35 years of CRIST shipyard embedded in Gdynia’s legacy. Shaping the future of Polish shipbuilding

In 2026, Gdynia celebrates the centenary of being granted city rights - a milestone for a city born out of political determination and the vision of maritime engineers, workers, and entrepreneurs. Over the past century, what began as a small fishing settlement has evolved into one of Europe’s key maritime economy hubs. Ports, quays, cold storage facilities, warehouses, and shipyards have formed the industrial backbone of the city. Yet behind this infrastructure stand people - their expertise, experience, and work ethic. These values have defined Gdynia as a center of maritime entrepreneurship and engineering excellence. The development of private enterprise following Poland’s economic transformation is also part of this story. One of the most prominent examples is CRIST shipyard, which marked its 35th anniversary on October 9, 2025.

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28 april 2026   |   09:31   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Karol Przybyła / Gazeta Morska

CRIST’s history demonstrates that the Tricity’s industrial tradition has not only endured but continues to thrive in today’s global maritime economy. From a small team operating out of a rented office, the company has grown into a modern shipyard delivering complex projects for international clients.

- Thirty-five years in such a demanding and volatile industry as shipbuilding is no coincidence. It is the result of a deliberate strategy focused on stability and growth, said Ireneusz Ćwirko, co-founder and CEO of CRIST. - Since 1990, we have remained committed to reinvesting profits into the shipyard rather than consumption. That principle has guided our development.

A key milestone was the acquisition of unique production areas in Gdynia and the relocation of operations from Gdańsk. This move significantly strengthened the company’s market position, although it required substantial investment in upgrading existing infrastructure.

- We are entering the coming years as a trusted partner with Polish capital-grounded, financially disciplined, and above all respectful of the people who have made CRIST a global synonym of quality, Ireneusz Ćwirko added.

From shipyard expertise to private enterprise

CRIST’s founders - Krzysztof Kulczycki, Ireneusz Ćwirko, Andrzej Szwarc, and Józef Tymuła - belong to a generation of engineers shaped by Poland’s shipbuilding industry of the 1970s and 1980s. Their experience spanned both design and supervision of vessel construction.

The economic transition of the late 1980s and early 1990s created opportunities for private entrepreneurship. This led to the idea of establishing a smaller, more flexible company capable of responding quickly to market needs.

CRIST was founded on October 9, 1990. Its name derives from the initials of the founders, slightly modified to achieve a more international sound. From the outset, the company aimed beyond the domestic market, positioning itself within the global maritime industry.

Diversification and advanced projects

More than three decades later, CRIST ranks among Poland’s leading private shipbuilding companies. Its portfolio includes advanced offshore structures and specialized vessels delivered to clients across Europe.

Among its notable projects is the fully outfitted hull of NB318 Olympic Boreas, awarded “Ship of the Year 2024” in the maritime innovation category. The shipyard is also actively involved in constructing vessels for offshore wind farm installation, including jack-up units, service vessels, and cable layers.

CRIST has developed strong expertise in highly specialized vessels used in large-scale global infrastructure projects. These include units supporting the construction of the world’s longest immersed tunnel between Denmark and Germany, as well as a vessel used in building offshore infrastructure around La Réunion.

- We don’t build ordinary ships. We build complex, tailor-made tools that go beyond standard shipbuilding, said Krzysztof Kulczycki, co-founder and chairman of the supervisory board. - What others see as risk, we see as a challenge.

The shipyard is also involved in cruise ship construction, delivering fully or partially outfitted blocks for some of the world’s largest vessels, including ICON-class ships as well as units for Disney and Europa fleets.

With nearly 500 completed projects, CRIST’s portfolio reflects a key strategic pillar: diversification. The company operates across offshore energy, maritime transport, infrastructure, and passenger vessel sectors.

- Diversification protects us from market cycles, explained Ireneusz Ćwirko. - We have built a team capable of taking on any challenge, and limiting that potential would make no sense.

Strategic role in defense projects

CRIST’s expertise also contributes to national security. The shipyard participates in Poland’s Miecznik program, supporting the construction of multi-role frigates for the Polish Navy. A bow megablock for the future ORP Wicher was fabricated at CRIST and delivered to PGZ Stocznia Wojenna.

- It is an honor to contribute to strengthening Poland’s maritime defense capabilities, Krzysztof Kulczycki emphasized.

Offshore wind and the future

The rapid growth of offshore wind energy has significantly increased demand for specialized vessels and infrastructure. The Baltic Sea is emerging as a key region for Europe’s energy transition.

CRIST has positioned itself as a partner for offshore wind developers, recently securing a contract to deliver a fully equipped offshore transformer station - the first such project executed by a Polish company for the Baltic market.

- Offshore wind has moved from declarations to real investments, which gives us confidence, said Ireneusz Ćwirko.

CRIST in Gdynia’s second century

Gdynia’s history is one of bold economic vision and consistent development of maritime potential. While its first century focused on building port infrastructure and industrial capacity, the future will be shaped by offshore technologies, renewable energy, and advanced marine engineering.

CRIST represents this continuity - combining tradition with innovation and a strong presence in the global shipbuilding market.

- We remain optimistic about the future, Ireneusz Ćwirko concluded. - Our goal is not to become the largest shipyard in the world, but to remain ambitious, innovative, and recognized for quality - while providing a stable and rewarding workplace for our people.

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