Successor to Dar Młodzieży Granted Funding in Historic Decision
30 September 2025 saw a historic decision for Gdynia Maritime University and the Polish maritime industry: the approval of funding for the construction of the successor to the Dar Młodzieży, which the Senate of GMU, headed by HM The Rector, Professor Adam Weintrit, has worked to secure since 2020. The decision to allocate funding was announced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The Resolution adopted today by the Council of Ministers establishing a multi-year programme for the “construction of ships for the maritime universities during the years 2025-2029”, prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure, will allow for work to begin on building a new training ship for Gdynia Maritime University to replace its current vessel Dar Młodzieży. Since its launch in 1982, more than 25,000 cadets, aspiring officers of the merchant fleet, have undegone training at sea on board the University's current tall ship.
Dar Młodzieży’s successor will offer practical training for up to 120 cadets simultaneously. The new vessel will combine tradition with modernity, therefore maintaining the high standard of education received by students of marine degree programmes. The ship will be equipped with the most modern technology in accordance with international safety standards. During training voyages on the University’s new training ship, students will gain the sea-going experience required by the STCW Convention. This will include traditional training at sea, where discipline and the ability to work as part of a team are crucial – qualities that are fundamental to the seafaring profession and often decisive for safety on board during a voyage.
The new training unit will begin serving the next generation of aspiring merchant fleet officers within the next three years. The progress of the work on the new sail training ship will be monitored by a team appointed in 2024 by HM The Rector of GMU, Professor Adam Weintrit. The Team for the Construction of the Successor to the Dar Młodzieży is made up of experts, including captains, who have engaged in activities working towards the construction of Gdynia Maritime University’s new flagship.
