Local synergy strengthens the maritime economy. MSR Gryfia expands its repair capabilities
At MSR Gryfia Shiprepair Yard, work is underway on the overhaul of m/s Wicko — another “Laker”-type vessel from the fleet of Polish Steamship Company (PŻM) entering the yard in 2025. Built for operations on the Great Lakes of North America, the vessel features design characteristics tailored to the region’s demanding infrastructure, including specific hull proportions dictated by the locks and channels of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway system.
In brief
Morska Stocznia Remontowa Gryfia in Szczecin is repairing the m/s Wicko, another Jeziorowiec type ship owned by Polska Żegluga Morska. Jeziorowiec type vessels were built for navigation on the North American Great Lakes, which requires adaptation to the parameters of the locks and canals of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence system as well as specific hull proportions. The repairs cover hull work in heavily loaded areas, upgrades of deck equipment and maintenance related to operation in fresh water. EuroAfrica Shipping Lines and Unibaltic Shipping also use Gryfia's facilities.
Like other PŻM Lakers, m/s Wicko is deployed in intensive bulk-cargo service on one of the world’s most challenging inland waterways. This operational profile requires regular docking and class-related maintenance. For MSR Gryfia, the specialised service of Lakers has become an important strategic competence.
Specialised technical knowledge for Great Lakes tonnage
Servicing Laker-type vessels requires in-depth understanding of their hull construction, operational loads and the effects of long-term operation in fresh water. Typical repair scopes involve structural reinforcement, hull steel replacement in high-stress zones, equipment modernisation and freshwater-condition maintenance procedures. Over the years, MSR Gryfia has consistently strengthened these capabilities, positioning itself as a trusted technical partner for shipowners active in transatlantic and Great Lakes trade.
Trusted by key regional shipowners
Local shipowners — including PŻM, EuroAfrica Shipping Lines and Unibaltic Shipping — rely on the shiprepair infrastructure available in Szczecin. Proximity, scheduling reliability and reduced downtime are critical factors for fleet efficiency, and MSR Gryfia’s ability to deliver high-quality, timely work has resulted in continued cooperation with these long-term partners.
A strong regional supply chain
Each project carried out at MSR Gryfia involves a broad network of West Pomeranian maritime companies — from hull subcontractors and outfitting suppliers to specialised service providers. This integrated cooperation strengthens the local supply chain, supports employment across the region, and reinforces Szczecin’s role as a significant hub of the shipbuilding and shiprepair industry.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Michał Iwański
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