Stepping to the Fore: Polish Docklands Transformed from Industrial Shipyards to Luxury Yacht Builders

The Polish Investment and Trade Agency recently embarked on a tour that began in the historic city of Gdańsk, a location with a maritime story reaching back a thousand years. Monumental landmarks such as the centuries-old crane on the Motława River and the World War II Museum coexist in a brutal contrast that beautifully encapsulates the nation’s past and present. In particular, this juxtaposition serves as a metaphorical representation of Poland’s transition from a past steeped in engineering and politics to a future grounded in innovation and sophistication.

For a long time, Poland was perceived to be a fringe player in the world of European yacht building. However, a tour through the bustling workshops and rapid waterfront developments throughout the Tricity region, spanning Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Ostróda, paints a very different picture today. Local shipyards are displaying a promising potential, recently venturing into the exclusive market of high-end sailing and motor yachts.

Sunreef Yachts is leading the charge in this transformation, bestowing the industry with a unique Polish touch. Their key offering doesn’t lie in the production of single luxury motor yachts; instead, they’re concentrating their efforts on substantial catamarans that cater to a growing customer base. Recent advancements in solar power research and alternative propulsion options are marking the brand’s path. After initial hurdles in persuading customers of the high quality of Polish-built luxury yachts, Sunreef Yachts has firmly established itself as a recognised player in the global yachting community.

A testament to this successful transition was Sunreef’s introduction of a 65-metre Explorer catamaran concept at the Monaco Yacht Show. Despite being a conceptual project, it has demonstrated Poland’s growing influence in a sector where size, range, and volume are emerging as crucial deciding factors for new buyers.

Only a few miles away, Conrad Shipyard is carving out a niche for itself by specialising in unique, one-off projects. Through the launch of the ACE in 2022, they made a statement about the potential and quality of the Polish shipbuilding industry.