On September 15th, the Ro-Pax ferry NB101, built at the Gdańsk Shiprepair Yard for POLSCA Baltic Ferries, began its first sea trials. The tests, which will last two weeks, include calibration of the propulsion, safety systems, speed, and maneuvering. The vessel, named Jantar Unity, is 195.6 meters long, 32.2 meters wide, with a loadline of 4,100 meters, and will carry 400 passengers and 50 crew. The ferry is powered by four LNG engines in a battery-assisted hybrid system, with azimuth thrusters and bow thrusters for improved maneuverability. Its sister vessel, NB102, is already under construction.
source: LEW/GL
The "Fearless Shark 2025" naval exercise began in the Baltic Sea on September 12th and will last until September 26th. The exercise is part of the "Iron Defender 2025" federation and is designed to test the ability to defend sea lanes of communication and prevent seaborne blockades. A frigate, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, minesweeping, rescue, and transport vessels, as well as naval aviation and the Naval Missile Unit, are participating in the exercise. Sailors are training in, among other things, torpedo and artillery fire, air defense, mine countermeasures, and critical infrastructure protection. Approximately 30,000 soldiers from Poland and NATO countries are participating in the "Iron Defender" federation, testing interoperability in a multi-domain environment.
Photo: Press Service of the 8th FOW
On September 11, the Port of Gdynia hosted the "Kraken 2025" crisis management exercise, which involved the evacuation of approximately 900 people from the Stena Spirit ferry after a fire and listing. The exercise involved ships, a SAR helicopter, a Border Guard patrol vessel, as well as the police, fire brigade, emergency medical services, and port administration. The scenario tested the cooperation between maritime and land services and the readiness of local authorities to respond to mass threats. The exercise was observed by representatives of local governments and the Port of Gdynia Authority, who emphasized the importance of testing procedures in practice. The exercise took place the day after the invasion of Polish airspace
airspace by Russian drones, which further highlighted the need for constant readiness to protect critical infrastructure.
Photo GospodarkaMorska.pl
The consortium of Szczecin Bulk Terminal, Tapini, and Ribera has once again won the tender for the lease of a grain terminal at the Port of Gdynia, but is still awaiting approval from the European Commission. The Ministry of Infrastructure has approved the signing of the contract, but the EU antitrust procedure may continue indefinitely. Controversy surrounds the consortium's links with the Viterra and Copenhagen Merchants groups, which farmers believe threatens a monopoly in the grain market. The previous tender was invalidated following protests from agricultural groups and political disputes, despite the previous selection of the same consortium. Meanwhile, the government has announced the construction of a new grain terminal at the Port of Gdańsk, which will be controlled by the State Treasury.
Photo GospodarkaMorska.pl
Vestas has officially acquired a wind turbine blade factory in Goleniów from LM Wind Power, which employs approximately 400 people. The plant, operating since 2009, will supply components for Vestas' onshore turbines, including the V172-7.2 MW model. This is part of a strategy to expand the company's European manufacturing base and strengthen its renewable energy supply chain. Following the acquisition, Vestas' workforce in Poland has increased to nearly 2,000, including a factory in Szczecin that produces hubs and nacelles for the V236-15.0 MW offshore turbine. The company emphasizes that Poland plays a key role in its investment plans and the development of wind energy in the region.
source: Rel/Vestas
