A new training tall ship. Gdynia Maritime University begins building a successor to Dar Młodzieży

Gdynia Maritime University has taken a decisive step toward modernizing Poland’s maritime education infrastructure. On 23 April 2026, the university announced a tender for the design and construction of a new training vessel, a three-masted sailing ship that will succeed the iconic Dar Młodzieży. The project represents both a technological upgrade and a strategic investment in the future of maritime training and Poland’s global maritime presence.

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24 april 2026 | 09:42 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Uniwersytet Morski w Gdyni

A milestone for maritime education

The newbuild marks a turning point for the university and the broader Polish maritime sector. Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Prof. Adam Weintrit, emphasizes the significance of the initiative:

- The announcement of the tender for the construction of the successor to ‘Dar Młodzieży’ is a breakthrough moment for our University. We are creating a vessel that will combine the long-standing tradition of maritime education with modern technologies, addressing the challenges of contemporary shipping. The new tall ship, which I hope you will immediately come to love, will also serve as a symbol of Poland on seas and oceans - our great ambassador - on which future generations of merchant fleet officers will be trained.

The new vessel is intended not only as a state-of-the-art training platform but also as a flagship representing Poland internationally, continuing the legacy of its predecessor.

Open EU tender under design-and-build model

The procurement process is being conducted as an open, unrestricted EU tender under a “design and build” framework. This approach assigns full responsibility for both the design and construction phases to the selected contractor.

Filip Malata, Chancellor of the University, underlines the inclusivity of the procedure:

- The procedure is open and unrestricted, which means that both domestic and international contractors meeting the requirements specified in the tender documentation may participate.

The tender was launched on 23 April 2026, with bid submissions expected to close on 25 May 2026, subject to potential extensions. Design and construction activities are scheduled to commence immediately after contract signing.

A modern three-masted training frigate

The planned vessel will be a modern three-masted sailing frigate designed to meet the highest training standards while incorporating environmentally responsible technologies. According to Dariusz Jellonnek, Director of the Ship Management and Maritime Training Department:

- The new tall ship will be a modern three-masted frigate, designed with top-level training standards in mind, utilizing a modern mechanical-hybrid propulsion system with a capacity of approximately 1,300 kW.

In terms of technical specifications, the new unit will slightly exceed the dimensions of Dar Młodzieży. The overall length (including bowsprit) will reach approximately 112 meters, compared to 108.8 meters for its predecessor. Beam will remain similar at around 15 meters, while the sail area will increase to at least 3,300 square meters. Mast height is expected to reach up to 58.4 meters, significantly higher than the current vessel’s maximum of approximately 49.5 meters.

A key innovation will be the hybrid propulsion system, offering improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, while maintaining comparable operational performance—up to approximately 12 knots under engine power.

Enhanced training environment

The vessel will accommodate up to 169 people, including 33 crew members and approximately 120 cadets. While the number of trainees will be slightly lower than on Dar Młodzieży, the design prioritizes improved living conditions, enhanced safety standards, and modernized training facilities.

The onboard infrastructure will be tailored to contemporary educational needs, enabling more effective practical training aligned with current maritime industry requirements.

Government-backed investment and timeline

The project is financed through the Polish government’s multiannual program "Construction of Vessels for Maritime Universities 2025-2029". It stands as one of the most significant investments in Poland’s maritime education sector in recent decades.

According to the planned schedule:

contract signing is expected in 2026,
steel cutting and keel laying are scheduled for 2027,
launching is planned for 2027,
delivery of the fully equipped vessel is expected in 2028,
cadet training operations are set to begin in 2029.

Strategic significance for Poland’s maritime sector

The construction of a successor to Dar Młodzieży goes beyond fleet renewal - it is a strategic move reinforcing Poland’s position in global maritime education and training. By integrating tradition with cutting-edge technology, the project reflects the sector’s transition toward sustainability and innovation.

As the maritime industry faces increasing environmental and operational challenges, the new vessel is poised to become both a modern training platform and a global ambassador - demonstrating Poland’s commitment to excellence in seafaring education and its long-term investment in human capital.

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