Shipbuilding industry at its finest. Polish innovation of global significance

A floating dock is one of the most crucial assets for any repair or shipbuilding yard, providing the fundamental capability for essential maintenance and repair work that would otherwise be impossible to perform in water.

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13 february 2025   |   08:02   |   Source: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna / Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

Okręt podwodny USS Dallas SSN-700 marynarki wojennej USA w pływającym doku USS Shippingport ARDM-4 w New London w stanie Connecticut | fot. Wikicommons

Floating dock – the backbone of every shipyard

A floating dock is a specialized vessel subject to the same classification society regulations and inspections as any other ship. Its distinctive U-shaped structure allows vessels to sail between its walls.

- The docking or undocking process involves nearly complete submersion of the dock, while resurfacing occurs by draining water from its ballast tanks, also known as bottom chambers, explains Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ naval shipyard.

This intricate operation demands high precision and extensive expertise, with specialists spending years mastering the process.

A Polish innovation with a global impact

Few realize that the floating dock is a Polish invention, patented by engineer Stanisław Janicki in 1871 in England and a year later in the United States. Janicki, a hydrologist involved in the construction of the Suez Canal, made a lasting contribution to maritime engineering. Despite its global significance, this historical achievement remains relatively unknown in Poland.

Why is the floating dock indispensable?

Certain maintenance and repair tasks are impossible to execute while a vessel remains afloat, including:

• cleaning and maintaining the underwater hull section,
• repairing or replacing sea valves,
• servicing, cleaning, or repairing the propeller,
• replacing anodes to protect the hull from corrosion.

Operating and maintaining a floating dock

- Operating a floating dock is costly, not only in terms of electricity and workforce but also due to additional expenses such as periodic dredging under the dock and deepening the approach channel, notes Marcin Ryngwelski.

Though classified as a mobile unit, a floating dock requires stabilization. This is achieved by mooring it to a docking dolphin, a structure embedded in the seabed to minimize movement during waves.

Shipyards and their role in the industry

The market consists of dedicated repair shipyards such as Nauta Shiprepair Yard S.A., Morska Stocznia Remontowa Gryfia S.A., Remontowa S.A., and Pomerania, as well as dual-purpose shipbuilding and repair yards like PGZ naval shipyard.

A floating dock is more than just an emblem of modern shipbuilding – it is an irreplaceable tool for the repair industry. Without it, maintaining fleet operational readiness would be impossible, making it a cornerstone of the entire maritime sector.

Shipbuilding – a pillar of economic and national security

Floating docks are not only an engineering achievement but also a critical component of maritime infrastructure, driving economic growth and national security. They enable the efficient servicing and modernization of commercial, military, and specialized fleets, which in turn supports the functionality of ports and global supply chains.

From a geopolitical perspective, a robust shipbuilding industry is more than just an employment generator and innovation hub—it is a strategic defense asset. Investing in this sector ensures a nation's autonomy in vessel maintenance and enhances both military and commercial potential. With contemporary challenges in maritime transport, environmental regulations, and global tensions, continuous investment in cutting-edge shipyard technology is imperative, with floating docks at the core of these advancements.

The shipbuilding industry as a cornerstone of national defense

It is crucial to recognize that shipyards are not solely dedicated to constructing and repairing civilian vessels; they also serve as a critical foundation for naval fleet development. Recent conflicts have underscored that a strong navy is essential for securing maritime borders and strategic trade routes. As a Baltic nation, Poland must prioritize advancements in shipyard technologies to maintain sovereignty over warship construction and maintenance.

PGZ naval shipyard stands as a leader in this domain, modernizing the Polish navy while simultaneously building technological capabilities for the future. Its projects extend beyond combat vessels, encompassing investments in next-generation shipyard technologies that position Poland as a competitive player in the global warship construction and modernization market. Through these initiatives, Poland not only bolsters its defense capabilities but also strengthens its export potential, paving the way for a stronger maritime industry.

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przemysł stoczniowy jest sztos przemysł stoczniowy stocznia wojenna pgz stocznia wojenna marcin ryngwelski

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