The hull of the first ferry of the Ro-Pax type, constructed for the company Polish Ferry as part of the ‘Batory’ programme, has been launched at the J. Piłsudski ‘Remontowa’ shipyard in Gdańsk. This is the first of three such vessels to join the fleet of Polish shipowners.

The launch of the first Ro-Pax ferry unit is a symbol of a resurgent shipbuilding industry. “It is proof of our ability to build modern and innovative vessels which will be the pride of Polish shipowners and contribute to the economic growth of our country”, said Deputy Infrastructure Minister Marek Gróbarczyk.

“Weighing approximately 11,000 tonnes, the vessel’s hull was built from six already completed blocks, constructed both at the shipyard and by Polish sub-suppliers. The launched vessel is equipped with propulsion, engines, and some all-ship systems. Further outfitting of the vessel, including the assembly of the already finished superstructure, will be carried out in the following months. The ferry is expected to be commissioned in 2025”, reports the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The completed vessel will be powered by four battery-assisted dual-fuel LNG engines, fueled by liquefied natural gas and diesel fuel used for ignition initiation. In addition, the ferry will be equipped with two azimuth thrusters at the stern and two thrusters at the bow to improve manoeuvring in ports.

The ‘Batory’ programme is part of the strategic project ‘Modern Shipbuilding Products’, which in turn is included in the ‘reindustrialisation’ part of the Strategy for Responsible Development (SOR), adopted by the Council of Ministers on 14 February 2017. The aim of the ‘Batory’ project is to stimulate the development of technology, design and construction of Polish vessels and marine structures, shifting the shipbuilding sector towards the production of innovative products and specialised vessels with high added value.

Adrian Andrzejewski