Vision for the Development of the "Gryfia" Maritime Shipyard: Investments and People

Vision for the Development of the "Gryfia" Maritime Shipyard: Investments and People During the 5th edition of the prestigious event "Cruise with Gospodarkamorska.pl," Lech Lechmański, Member of the Management Board, represented the "Gryfia" Maritime Repair Shipyard S.A. His speech on the panel became an important voice in the discussion about the competitiveness of the Polish shipbuilding industry, focusing on investments, innovations, and the pressing problem of a lack of qualified personnel.

 Strategic Investments: New Dock and Readiness for Panamax Vessels

Lech Lechmański emphasized the strategic importance of the ongoing investments. The new dock, scheduled to be commissioned in mid-2027, along with the modernization of the hydrotechnical infrastructure completed in September 2025, are key to the future competitiveness of the Shipyard.

"Our new dock is the only chance to make a big impact. It might be a controversial statement, but in my opinion, it is true. Especially since it perfectly coincides with the completion of the Maritime Office in Szczecin's investment in deepening the waterway to 12.5 meters, and the Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority's modernization of port infrastructure so that it will be ready to accommodate Panamax vessels in Szczecin."

This comprehensive approach to infrastructure development is essential to meet the growing market demands and enable the servicing of larger units.

 Partnership for the Future: Innovation and Personnel

One of the most important pillars of development is cooperation with academic centers. The Shipyard actively cooperates with the Maritime University of Szczecin. This cooperation includes internship programs, support for doctoral theses, and the introduction of modern technologies, such as the LiDAR system accelerating the repair process of damaged ship hulls. This is proof of Gryfia's commitment to innovation and building the future workforce.

Response to the Personnel Crisis

The discussion panel, in which Lech Lechmański participated, naturally turned to the problem of a lack of human resources and the liquidation of vocational schools in shipbuilding trades. As Lechmański emphasized, the shipyard is actively working to remedy this situation.

"The panel went not only in the direction of the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry but also the problem of a lack of human resources, a shortage of vocational schools in shipbuilding trades, and ways to find a solution to this situation. I presented our cooperation with the last secondary school in the city that educates future shipbuilders – the West Pomeranian Centre for Maritime and Polytechnic Education."

Cooperation with vocational and technical schools is a direct response to staffing gaps and an investment in a new generation of shipbuilders.

Diversification and Offshore Industry Potential

The strategy of the "Gryfia" Maritime Shipyard also includes plans for the diversification of its operations. One of the promising directions and ideas is to expand the scope of services and enter the dynamically developing renewable energy market, including offshore.

Participation in the Cruise with Gospodarkamorska.pl was an opportunity to present a comprehensive and ambitious vision for the "Gryfia" Maritime Shipyard, based on modern infrastructure ready to handle Panamax vessels, innovative technologies (LiDAR), and a key investment in human capital and education.

 Photo: Lech Lechmański, Member of the Management Board of Gryfia Maritime Shipyard, during the Cruise with Gospodarkamorska.pl.