First Commander Maciej Janiak Award presented aboard ORP Błyskawica

The historic destroyer ORP Błyskawica hosted the inaugural ceremony of the Commander Maciej Janiak Award—a new distinction established to recognise outstanding contributions to the development of Poland’s naval capabilities and the promotion of maritime awareness within the national security and maritime sectors.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 05.12.2025, 07:06 Reading time: 2 min

A gray destroyer moored with blue mooring lines at the quay, a tall ship visible behind — fot. Krzysztof Miłosz / Akademia Marynarki Wojennej

In brief

The first Captain (Navy) Maciej Janiak Award was presented aboard the destroyer ORP Błyskawica to Charter Navigator, the publisher of the magazine Morze. Editor-in-chief Marcin Buś received the statuette and honorary diploma. The award was established jointly by the Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia, the Rada Budowy Okrętów shipbuilding council and the heirs of Captain (Navy) Maciej Janiak, and the jury comprised nine representatives of military, academic and industrial circles as well as a representative of Ostrzeszów. Captain (Navy) Maciej Janiak authored the Strategic Concept of Maritime Security of the Republic of Poland.

The award was founded jointly by the Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia, the Shipbuilding Council (Rada Budowy Okrętów – RBO) and the family of Commander Janiak. Its purpose is to honour the professional and societal legacy of a respected naval officer, ship commander and co-author of the Strategic Concept of Maritime Security of the Republic of Poland, who significantly shaped modern Polish maritime thinking and the vision of Poland as a state anchored in its maritime potential.

A nine-member Award Chapter was formed for this purpose, bringing together representatives of the Shipbuilding Council, the Polish Naval Academy, Commander Janiak’s family, the National Security Bureau, the Inspectorate of the Polish Navy, the Polish Armaments Group, and the Mayor of Ostrzeszów—Janiak’s birthplace. The body unanimously selected the first laureate.

Charter Navigator and Morze honoured for maritime public outreach

The inaugural Commander Maciej Janiak Award was presented to Charter Navigator Sp. z o.o., publisher of the maritime periodical Morze. The Chapter emphasised the publisher’s long-standing contribution to maritime public communication, defence-related analysis and the continuation of Poland’s maritime editorial traditions dating back to the interwar era.

The distinction, which has an honorary and non-financial character, consists of a statuette and certificate. It may be awarded to an individual, a legal entity, or an organisational unit without legal personality, as defined by regulations approved by the Senate of the Polish Naval Academy.

The award was accepted by editor-in-chief Marcin Buś, who highlighted the role of maritime journalism in shaping informed public debate on naval affairs and maritime security.

Two men shake hands holding a silver bird trophy surrounded by naval officers in uniform

A legacy shaping Poland’s maritime identity

Commander Maciej Janiak is widely regarded as one of the central figures in contemporary Polish naval strategy and capability development. His involvement in the work of the Shipbuilding Council and his efforts to promote an integrated approach to Poland’s maritime security laid foundations for many of today’s discussions on fleet renewal, shipbuilding policy and the broader maritime domain.

The establishment of the award marks a further step toward institutionalising his legacy and encouraging continued commitment to the development of Poland’s maritime strategic culture.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier