February in Szczecin’s shiprepair sector. Ice, overhauls and North Sea expansion

February operations in Szczecin confirmed that seasonality does not dictate the pace of the shiprepair industry. With temperatures dropping to -15°C and heavy ice covering the basin, Morska Stocznia Remontowa Gryfia (MSR Gryfia) successfully docked the ro-pax ferry MF Mazovia, operated by Polska Żegluga Bałtycka (Polferries), for her mandatory five-year special survey.

Michał Iwański IT 23.02.2026, 08:39 Reading time: 2 min

Ferry MF Mazovia with bow painted in a colorful bird design stands in a shipyard dry dock — fot. MSR Gryfia

In brief

Morska Stocznia Remontowa Gryfia has docked in Szczecin the ferry MF Mazovia owned by Polska Żegluga Bałtycka, Polferries, at temperatures reaching -15°C and with heavy icing of the basin. The ferry is undergoing a mandatory five-year survey covering overhaul of the main engines, generator sets and alternators, servicing of the ro-ro systems with ramps, doors and hydraulic cylinders, and specialist repair of the roll stabilisers. The project has entered its final phase, and the vessel is being prepared for post-repair tests. MSR Gryfia has also signed a cooperation agreement with the Dutch company AYS Shiprepair, strengthening its presence in Benelux and the North Sea region.

At the same time, the Szczecin-based yard strengthened its commercial footprint in Northwestern Europe by signing a cooperation agreement with Dutch-based AYS Shiprepair, targeting increased activity in the Benelux region and the North Sea market.

Together, these developments illustrate how February looks in Szczecin’s shiprepair sector: operationally intense and strategically forward-looking.

Five-year special survey of MF Mazovia under severe winter conditions

The docking of MF Mazovia was carried out under extreme winter conditions, requiring precise coordination and full operational readiness of dock infrastructure and technical teams. Ice accumulation and sub-zero temperatures added complexity to manoeuvring and safety procedures, yet the operation was completed without disruption to the project schedule.

The scope of works includes:

comprehensive overhaul of main engines, auxiliary engines and generators,
servicing of ro-ro systems, including ramps, doors and hydraulic actuators,
a specialised overhaul of fin stabilisers.

The stabiliser works represent one of the most technically demanding elements of the project. The procedure involves extending the fins outside the hull and carrying out full inspection and servicing – a relatively rare and precision-driven operation in dock conditions. The performance of this system directly affects passenger comfort and vessel safety, particularly during heavy Baltic Sea weather.

Despite severe frost and ice conditions, the project has entered its final phase, with post-repair testing procedures underway. The case demonstrates that winter does not translate into downtime for Szczecin’s repair yards; instead, it serves as a test of organisational resilience and technical capability.

Expanding towards the North Sea and Benelux markets

In parallel with dock operations, MSR Gryfia has taken a further step in expanding its international market presence. The newly signed cooperation agreement with AYS Shiprepair is aimed at strengthening the yard’s position in the Benelux countries and across the North Sea basin.

For the Szczecin shipyard, this move represents more than a commercial partnership. The North Sea region remains one of Europe’s most competitive and technically demanding shiprepair markets, characterised by high environmental standards, strict regulatory compliance and advanced technical requirements. Gaining stronger access to this segment supports portfolio diversification and enhances long-term order stability.

The February developments highlight a dual-track strategy within Szczecin’s shiprepair industry: executing complex technical projects under challenging weather conditions while simultaneously reinforcing market presence abroad.

Ice and frost may define the season, but they do not slow down the region’s maritime industrial activity. On the contrary, they underline the operational robustness and strategic ambition of Szczecin’s shiprepair sector.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Michał Iwański