Poland’s impressive history in maritime research will continue to grow with the delivery of two new multipurpose vessels in the second and third quarters of 2020.  Under construction at the noted Remontowa Shipbuiding yard in Gdansk the two 60 by 12.8-meter vessels will replace two 35-year old vessels working under the direction of the maritime office in Szczecin and Gdynia.

The diesel-electric powered craft will have as many capabilities as a Swiss army knife. In addition to servicing Polish navigational aids and ice breaking, they will be will be equipped for towing ships in emergencies. A major focus of their work will be in conduction hydrographic research on water quality and depth contours. They will also be fitted with fire monitors for fighting vessel fires. Both vessels will carry the class notification allowing operations to 200 nautical miles offshore.

 The first hull, with a molded 4.7-meter depth, was launched from the shipyard at Gdańsk in July with the second to follow in October. The vessels will be fitted out alongside with three 1359 kWe generators each powered by an IMO Tier III compliant Cummins QSK50 diesel that will turn at 1800 RPM. The green technology has been well proven on off-shore support vessels where, depending on work and power demand, the ships can operate on one, two, or three generators.

 While alongside; the wiring, accommodation, storage rooms and superstructure will be installed. Delivery of both vessels is planned for 2020 following sea trials. One will go to the Maritime Office in Szczecin and the other to the Maritime Office in Gdynia.

 Funding for the project is being provided by the European Union from the Cohesion Fund, under the operational program “Infrastructure and Environment”.

Source: Alan Haig Brown