Poland bets on the sea. 96-meter successor to "Dar Młodzieży" under construction for UMG
At this year’s Maritime Economy Forum in Gdynia, the official concept for the new training sailing ship of the Gdynia Maritime University (UMG) was presented by Prof. Capt. Adam Weintrit, Rector of UMG. The announcement, made in the presence of Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka, confirmed that the ship’s name and patron will be selected through a nationwide competition. A few days earlier, at the end of September, the Council of Ministers approved a multi-year program titled "Shipbuilding for Maritime Universities 2025–2029", submitted by the Minister of Infrastructure.
In brief
Gdynia Maritime University unveiled the concept of a new training sailing ship replacing Dar Młodzieży at the Maritime Economy Forum in Gdynia, with a planned overall length of approximately 96 metres. The full-rigged three-masted vessel will accommodate nearly 170 people: 33 permanent crew, 120 cadets and 14 passengers, as presented by Rector Prof. Capt. Adam Weintrit. Steel cutting is set for 2026, keel laying and launching for 2027, delivery to the university for 2028 and ocean training voyages for the 2029/2030 academic year.
Jak będzie się nazywał nowy żaglowiec UMG - następca Daru Młodzieży - Weź udział w konkursie | fot. Uniwersytet Morski w Gdyni
From steel cutting to maiden voyage — ambitious construction timeline
The new full-rigged, three-masted sailing ship will accommodate nearly 170 people: 33 permanent crew members, 120 cadets, and 14 passengers. Although slightly shorter than the current Dar Młodzieży, its planned overall length is approximately 96 meters, subject to change. Steel cutting is scheduled for 2026, with keel laying and launching in 2027. The ship is expected to be delivered by the shipyard to UMG in 2028, ready for full-ocean training voyages in the 2029/2030 academic year.
Poland’s floating ambassador — showcasing mational maritime ambitions
Beyond training, the ship will act as a representative of Poland’s maritime heritage, participating in international tall ship events such as the Tall Ships Races. It will promote Polish seafaring culture and serve as a platform for education, diplomacy, and maritime prestige.
Who will be the patron? Daily Mare suggests Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski
Daily Mare (Gazeta Morska) proposes Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski as a potential patron, noting his historic role as the architect of Poland’s maritime economy. Kwiatkowski spearheaded the construction of the port of Gdynia, supported the growth of the Polish Merchant Navy, and championed maritime education—foundations upon which modern UMG is built. Associating the new ship with his legacy would symbolize continuity in Poland’s strategic engagement with the sea.
Tradition meets modernity — training ship of the 21st century
The ship will combine the classic full-rigged design with state-of-the-art navigation, training, and eco-friendly systems. It is designed for long-duration ocean voyages, greater operational efficiency, and minimal downtime compared to its predecessor. Training capacity will be higher, allowing more cadets to gain practical experience simultaneously, strengthening Poland’s global maritime workforce.
A new era for Polish maritime education
This vessel represents more than a ship; it embodies Poland’s commitment to its maritime future. The project illustrates that maritime education is a cornerstone of the national economy, linking heritage with modernity. The ship is expected to sail as a living symbol of Poland’s seafaring tradition and ambition, preparing a new generation of officers for the challenges of global shipping and maritime exploration.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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