Gdynia Maritime University GMU

Speech given by HM Rector of Gdynia Maritime University on the Occasion of University Celebration Day 2021

Esteemed Senate, Ladies and Gentlemen.

For the second year running, the anniversary of the establishment of our Maritime Alma Mater takes place in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Traditionally, we would have welcomed here today our graduates, University officials, representatives of central, regional government and local governments, representatives of organisations and professional associations, friends and supporters of the University, students and doctoral candidates. We would have sat together to dinner, to celebrate University Celebration Day - the day when in 1920 the Polish flag was raised for the first time on the building of the newly established Maritime School in Tczew.

As a result of the pandemic, we have been compelled by common sense to resign altogether from including what might be seen as the most attractive parts of the programme for this year's celebration day: our traditions such as sharing a goose dinner. Other things we have had to drastically minimise in order to reduce risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus.

Esteemed Senate, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Despite the misfortune that has affected us these past two years, I can say today, with certainty, that we are limited only by the pandemic. The University is achieving success. The strategy that we have been implementing for the past two years is an effective response to the demands of today's world and preparation for the expectations of the future. The systemic solutions and bold strategic decisions of the past year have proven to be essential. Beginning with the University's fundamental legislation, we have introduced new Articles of Association and we are working on implementing changes to all current University regulations. These regulations aim to ensure the stability of the work carried out at our University, including the Maritime Institute, whose integration is a requirement and determinant of our development.

We are already seeing the dynamic development of wind energy, which is a driving force for many areas of the national economy.

And we have not passed up the opportunity this presents for development. The strategic decision to undertake the biggest investment of the last few decades, the construction of an Offshore Technology Centre near the Wisłoujście fortress, has initiated several activities also of a scientific and educational nature.

The construction of the Offshore Centre, whose foundations and first-floor walls have already been built, will be an essential research and education facility for the national offshore wind sector.

It is our duty as a maritime University to support the development of the offshore wind energy sector through education, scientific work, training, and consultancy. It is our intention to contribute to the creation of a local Polish supply chain for the offshore industry. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the Offshore Centre will become a root in the growth of a "Polish Offshore Valley". The construction of the GMU Offshore Centre will allow for the undertaking of comprehensive, specialist research and development work for the needs of the innovative maritime industry. Gdynia Maritime University is currently one of only a few Universities in the country involved in such work.

We also have ambitions to educate personnel for this demanding sector of the economy. To this end, we have developed new undergraduate and MBA level study programmes aimed at businesses and institutions connected with the offshore wind supply chain as well as individuals planning a career within the industry.

For this reason, we have established the Offshore Wind Energy Centre, whose many areas of operation include to:

• Produce highly qualified managers and specialists for the needs of the OSW energy industry;
• Support institutions and enterprises connected with the OSW energy industry in the implementation of effective organisational, technological and technical solutions;
• Create, accumulate, and make available current knowledge on the development and functioning of the OSW energy sector;
• Raise awareness of the importance of OSW energy for the national economy, in terms of energy security, economic growth and labour market development;
• Promote OSW energy as essential in mitigating the effects of climate change both nationally and internationally;
• Publish works on the development of the OSW energy market;
• Promote GMU as a leading centre of excellence in OSW and renewable energy.

New Education Programmes at GMU

Specialist education

• The Executive Wind Offshore MBA - Poland’s first international programme dedicated to the Offshore Wind industry, conducted in collaboration with Hochschule Bremerhaven (Germany) and Business Academy Southwest (Denmark).
• Postgraduate courses Risk Management in the Offshore Extraction and Offshore Wind Industries.

Master’s studies (already established)

• Transport - Logistics for the Offshore Sector.
• Navigation - Offshore Technology (est. 2009).

Master’s studies (under preparation)

• Offshore Wind Energy (in collaboration with GUT).
• Marine Archaeology (in collaboration with University of Gdansk).
• Marine Geophysics (in collaboration with AGH University of Science and Technology).

As part of the “Inkubator Innowacyjności 4.0” project conducted in collaboration with Silesia University of Technology, and carried out under the Smart Growth Operational Programme, we are working on establishing a GMU Technology Transfer Centre.

In 2021, we developed close ties with companies such as PGE, PKN Orlen, Grupa Lotos SA, Geofizyka Toruń, the Central Office of Measures, OX2, RWE, Mewo, Gdynia Maritime Agency, Alfa Laval, Equinor and Polenergia.

We signed a sectoral agreement at the Ministry for Climate and the Environment for the development of offshore wind energy in Poland, along with government representatives and key figures from the offshore wind energy sector in Poland.

As one of a group of nine universities that provide education and conduct research in maritime-related areas, we signed an agreement of intent for the “Science for the Sea” scientific consortium in the presence of the Prime Minister during the final sitting of the Maritime Convention at the Gdansk University of Technology for the development of Offshore Wind Energy in Poland.

We are a member, and often a leader, of technological platforms, and science and technology consortiums. Particularly worthy of attention was our participation in the Pomeranian Platform for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in the Baltic Region. Just two days ago, a meeting of parties interested in creating a Pomeranian Offshore Wind Energy Competence Centre took place here at the University and will result in the creation of specialist research and training laboratories within the Rumia Economic Zone.

Esteemed Senate, Ladies and Gentlemen.

We had planned to sign here today, at the formal sitting of the GMU Senate, an agreement with the Lotus Group S.A. Unfortunately, we were forced to change these plans at the last moment as the Vice President of the Management Board for Investment and Innovation at the Lotos Group, Jarosław Wróbel has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The signing of the agreement will now go ahead at another time. But sadly, once again, the pandemic has interrupted our plans.

The contract with Grupa Lotos S.A. determines the terms of involvement of Gdynia Maritime University in the innovative, so-called Project Initiatives, conducted in collaboration with the Lotos Group, and for the completion of which we have established a road map.

Cooperation under this Agreement will aim to finance and develop Polish innovative technologies through implementing projects and joint applications for funding from national and international sources, organisation of and participation in seminars and conferences, and work in joint project teams. The main focus of our cooperation will be on the continually developing natural gas and hydrogen markets.

Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in achieving climate neutrality and implementing the guidelines of the European Green Deal, based on which the European Council endorsed the EU's target to reduce the net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The European Green Deal is the EU’s contribution to the Paris Agreement adopted at COP 21 in Paris, on 12th December 2015.

All four faculties at Gdynia Maritime University are involved in the Project Initiatives.

The Project Initiative is part of a sectoral agreement to build a hydrogen economy in Poland concluded on 14th October 2021, in Warsaw.

I would like the agreement signed with Grupa Lotos to be our small part in worldwide efforts to limit emissions of harmful gases in marine transport.

We would like to start work on introducing sustainable green transport in the Gulf of Gdansk, including the Gulf of Puck and the Vistula Recommendations, especially since the strategic development of transport in Pomeranian voivodeship is to create a sustainable, integrated and environmentally friendly transport infrastructure system. We trust we can count on the support and cooperation of local governments in our region in our endeavour.

We also believe that each of these actions has its importance as a small milestone in the history of scientific progress and cooperation of maritime industry organisations and more.

Our University has a beautiful history and beautiful academic traditions. We make a conscious effort to cultivate maritime customs and rituals and foster the memory of our staff and graduates, who often feature in the books the University publishes. Right here now today, in a rather modest way because of the circumstances, we will launch one of these very books - the "Biographical Dictionary of Graduates of The Maritime School in Tczew, 1922 - 1930" by Małgorzata Sokołowska and Joanna Stasiak. A priceless historical volume that contains the biographies of Polish maritime pioneers. Each of the individuals whose biographies are included in the volume was and is, in their own way, a showcase of the School and contributed to the creation of the university’s elite image, not only in relation to the training of merchant navy officers but also the education of people with a broad range of competences, leadership and professional qualities, who demonstrated their organisational abilities and courage during the war effort. The first volume of the dictionary will contain the biographies of graduates of the Maritime School in Tczew during the years 1992 to 1930. Further volumes will be published to include the biographies of graduates from subsequent years, including the pre-war graduates of the Gdynia Maritime School. 

The second book, which will also be published during this, our 100th year, is a collective biography of 100 persons associated with the University entitled “People in Service of the School  - From the Maritime School in Tczew to Gdynia Maritime University” [Ludzie w służbie Uczelni. Od Szkoły Morskiej w Tczewie do Uniwersytetu Morskiego w Gdyni].  The book is the second volume of a series of albums presenting the history of the University through the achievements of its staff – deans, heads of departments, professors, scientists and lecturers. The first volume in the series, which was released last year, was dedicated to the stories of all Rectors,  whereas this second volume focuses on all those that make substantial contributions along the path of development of our University as it stands today.  We should not forget also, all those working behind the scenes in administration, who, although their names may not be widely known, also deserve recognition for their contributions - their personalities and their work.

For more than 100 years, our University has been developed by people who with passion and commitment have been a driving force of the Polish maritime economy. Last year, the Senate initiated a proceeding to confer on Professor Daniel Duda the title of honorary doctor of Gdynia Maritime University, which was awarded for outstanding services to the University. Two weeks ago, I applied to the Senate to begin proceedings for conferral of the title of honorary doctor of Gdynia Maritime University to Mirosław Jurdziński, one of the pioneers of the Polish school of navigation.

What distinguishes us is our unique model of education, in which we endeavour to maintain a balance between theory and practical learning.  All this is thanks to our modern laboratories and simulators, our accredited research facilities, and training and research vessels.  Also worth mentioning is our unique-on-a-world-scale Ship Handling Centre in Iława.

2021 was a particularly special year. As many as three of our colleagues were awarded the academic title of Professor: Professor Tomasz Tarasiuk,  Professor Andrzej Miszczak and Professor Lech Murawski.

Our reputation extends beyond the maritime environment.  In October of this year, for the first time, our University hosted the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (KRASP).  I am also actively involved in the meetings of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Institutes (KRPUT) and have been nominated chair of its Digitalisation Commission.

GMU’s Faculty of Navigation, headed by Dean Professor Tomasz Neumann, has been awarded the prestigious “Uczelni Liderów 2021” [University of Leaders] certificate.

The Scientific Journal of Gdynia Maritime University and TransNav - the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation are published on the latest Ministry of Science and Education Journal Ranking List with 40 and 70 points respectively. We believe that this will have a positive impact on the outcomes of current and future evaluations carried out within our University's faculties and departments.

Our staff are actively involved in the work of international maritime organisations. We are members of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), the UN International Maritime Organisation, and many others. A month ago, one of our experts, Associate Professor Dr Krzysztof Czaplewski, was made CEO of the International Association of Institutes of Navigation for the term 2021-2024.

All of these achievements have contributed to the image of a modern maritime University - an institution that has been developing its potential for the last 101 years.  I can be proud to say that the declaration I made during my election campaign concerning a return to maritime affairs is becoming a reality.  We are a world-renowned Maritime University and have been an institution of higher maritime education recognised around the world for many years.  This is thanks to the contributions of all generations that are part of the University’s history.  Today our potential is recognised by African nations, who have sought our collaboration in their maritime projects. Most recently these countries are Angola, South Africa and Senegal, and previously Algeria and Nigeria.  Also interested in cooperating with us are China, Taiwan and Great Britain.

We will continue to further our scientific, education and organisational potential and improve our infrastructure.  During the first quarter of next year, work will begin on the construction of a new sports hall for which we have been granted all the necessary approvals and, most importantly, financial insurance. The need for a new training ship, a successor to the Dar Młodzieży, is also something that is receiving increased consideration and options are being consulted.  

Esteemed Senate, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I hope that today will provide a welcome opportunity to summarise, remember and reflect.

I wish all graduates, students and doctoral candidates, teaching and administration staff, and all those who will study and work within the walls of this University in the future, to always feel a sense of belonging and care for our maritime community.

My sincerere congratulations to all those who will in a moment be presented with honours, decorations and awards. I wish you all further success in the future.