Investments

Szczecin Maritime University launches tender for PLN 625 million research vessel

Szczecin Maritime University (Politechnika Morska) has launched an open tender for the design, construction and outfitting of a new training and research vessel worth PLN 625 million. Bids are due by 6 October 2026. The new ship will replace the ageing Nawigator XXI and become the university's main teaching and research tool for decades to come.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 06.08.2026, 13:13 Reading time: 2 min

Rendering of a research vessel with dark blue hull, crane and helicopter deck on the stern — fot. Politechnika Morska

In brief

Politechnika Morska w Szczecinie has announced an open tender for the design, construction and outfitting of a training and research vessel worth PLN 625 million, with bids due on 6 October 2026. The new vessel, around 100 metres long and with a range of 10 thousand nautical miles, will replace Nawigator XXI, in service with the university since 1997, and will receive dual-fuel propulsion as well as ROV and AUV underwater vehicles. The first tranche of government funding, more than PLN 100 million, reached the university in March 2026.

Nawigator XXI retires

The current vessel, Nawigator XXI, has served the university since 1997 and was built at Gdańska Stocznia Remontowa. Its successor will measure around 100 metres in length with a range of 10,000 nautical miles, allowing operations in more demanding conditions, including polar waters. It will be built with a dual fuel propulsion system, capable of running on biofuels, and will carry remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) as well as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

The vessel is meant to serve a dual role, supporting teaching and sea training for Szczecin Maritime University students while also hosting research work involving scientists from other institutions. Szczecin will remain the ship's home port.

PLN 625 million from a national programme

The investment is funded through the multi year government programme "Construction of vessels for maritime universities in 2025 to 2029", with a combined budget approaching PLN 1 billion. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the programme in May 2025. Alongside the Szczecin vessel, it also covers a new sail training ship for Gdynia Maritime University to replace Dar Młodzieży, in service since 1982. Szczecin's share of the funding stands at PLN 625 million, with a first tranche of more than PLN 100 million already transferred to the university in March 2026.

Infrastructure minister Dariusz Klimczak welcomed the tender launch, calling it an important step for the development of Polish maritime education and research.

A modern research fleet for Polish universities

The new vessel is meant to address needs that Nawigator XXI, after nearly three decades in service, can no longer meet, both in teaching capacity and in research capability. Modern navigation, electronic and research systems, including underwater drones, should allow Szczecin Maritime University students to train on equipment matching today's commercial and research fleet standards, while giving researchers access to projects that currently require chartering vessels from other institutions or foreign operators.

The outcome of the tender, expected after 6 October, will show which Polish or European shipyard takes on this multi year, technically demanding investment.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier