Gdynia Maritime University GMU

On 10 October 2025, individuals connected with the maritime sector in Poland and others gathered at the 24th Maritime Economic Forum. One of the major topics at this year’s event was the construction of a successor to the Dar Młodzieży. HM The Rector of GMU, Professor Adam Weintrit, gave a presentation on the project for the new training ship.

The event was opened by the Head of the Maritime Economic Forum, Sławomir Kalicki, and the Mayor of Gdynia, Aleksandra Kosiorek. The honorary guests attending the Forum were Dr Arkadiusz Marchewka, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Ambassador of the Republic of Malta, Gavin Gulia.

HM The Rector, Professor Adam Weintrit, presented the timeline for the construction of the University’s new sailing ship. Using a chronological overview, he outlined the approximate schedule of each stage of the project — from the cutting of steel plates and keel laying, through launch readiness and engine commissioning, to the vessel’s delivery in 2028, outfitting, and finally the start of cadet training in 2029.

Right now, we are at the starting line. There’s a long way to the finish, but we have the funding, we have the idea, and I hope we won’t lack the determination to make it happen.

During his speech, the Rector reminded those gathered of the most important steps taken by Gdynia Maritime University on the path to the passing of a Council of Ministers Resolution regarding the establishment of a multi-year programme entitled ‘Construction of Ships for the Maritime Universities in the Years 2025–2029’.

The Rector indicated the most important objectives of the investment, among which he mentioned the continuation of maritime education at the highest level. The ship will be equipped with the most modern technology, therefore adhering to international safety standards. He highlighted that future merchant navy officers, the University’s students, as well as pupils from maritime secondary schools, would continue to benefit from training at sea, during which they learn to work as a team, a skill which is crucial to the seafaring profession and often determines the safety of the ship during a voyage.

The Rector also underlined that the successor to the Dar Młodzieży would also continue the role of its predecessor as an ambassador for the country, in addition to the University, taking part in international regattas and tall ships’ rallies.

Professor Adam Weintrit also announced, for the first time in a public forum, the preliminary assumptions for the University’s new vessel, stating that it will be a three-masted full-rigged ship with a hull length of approximately 96 meters. The vessel will accommodate 120 cadets, as well as 33 permanent crew members and 12 passengers.

As part of his presentation, he also announced a competition for proposals for the name of the new tall ship. Ideas for the new vessel’s name can be submitted starting 10 October 2025 and must be submitted by 17 February 2026 to the email address: zaglowiec [at] umg.edu.pl. Details on the rules of the competition can be found in the Competition Regulations.

Besides the construction of the new ship, one of the other principal topics at this year’s Forum was the decarbonisation of global shipping. The topic was discussed by Dorota Lost-Siemińska, Director of the Legal and External Affairs Department at the IMO.

The event agenda once again included five discussion panels devoted respectively to seaports, maritime logistics, renewable energy, sailing and yachting business, cybersecurity, and autonomous shipping.

The Maritime Economic Forum is organised by the City of Gdynia local authorities and Gdynia Development Agency.