The Bursztyn Unity ferry was officially christened at the Chrobry Embankment in Szczecin, and the Polish flag was hoisted at her stern. The ceremony took place on 11 November, Poland’s National Independence Day, to give the occasion greater prominence and underline the significance of the new ferry for the country’s maritime economy. The vessel will operate under the POLSCA brand on routes between Świnoujście and ports in southern Sweden.

Bursztyn is not only the most modern ferry in Poland and the Baltic Sea. It is also the first vessel in 22 years operated by the Polish Steamship Company (PŻM) to fly the Polish red-and-white flag. POLSCA is a joint venture between Polish shipowners: the Polish Steamship Company, Polish Baltic Shipping Company and Euroafrica. Due to the lack of commercial viability under domestic regulations, Jantar Unity, Bursztyn’s sister ship, which was christened last year, operates under the Cypriot flag. However, the Polish colours flying over the latest ferry are intended to mark the beginning of a wider reflagging of other vessels. Bursztyn Unity’s home port is Szczecin. She was built by Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdańsk.

The ferry was built at Remontowa Shipbuilding, which also constructed Jantar and is already building the third vessel in the series, Amber Unity. All three will operate under the POLSCA brand. Zofia Gałka was named the ship’s godmother. Father Stanisław Flis, chaplain to seafarers, said a prayer before the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony against the ferry’s hull. Those attending included Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, Deputy Infrastructure Minister for Maritime Economy Arkadiusz Marchewka, and PŻM Director General Dariusz Doskocz.

The prime minister stressed that Bursztyn Unity had been built thanks to the work of Polish designers, engineers and shipyard workers, and would operate for a Polish shipowner under the Polish flag.

“This ferry, which stands here today as a symbol of Polish pride, ability and expertise, shows that we have not wasted the time since regaining our freedom in 1989. It is a symbol of how this pride can become something lasting,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak also emphasised the symbolism of the ceremony and the new direction of Poland’s maritime policy.

“Our aim is for the flag to become a symbol of Poland and of a competitive Polish maritime economy. We are changing regulations and creating better conditions to make it easier for maritime companies to operate,” Minister Klimczak said.

The Deputy Infrastructure Minister for Maritime Economy said that the construction and entry into service of the new ferry demonstrated that “we are capable of doing great things in Poland”.

“We delivered the project, secured the financing and made sure it made economic sense. PLN 1.3 billion has been allocated to the construction of new ferries. We have built Jantar and Bursztyn, and construction of the third ferry has begun. The new fleet means a strong Poland in the Baltic. We are a proud maritime nation. For 30 years, ships did not sail under the Polish flag; in 2004, the Polish flag was lowered from the last PŻM vessel. Bursztyn will sail under the red and white, and her home port is Szczecin. She is a source of pride for Poland, Pomerania and the entire Polish maritime economy,” Arkadiusz Marchewka said.

Polish Steamship Company Director Dariusz Doskocz recalled that PŻM was marking an important anniversary this year.

“Today’s christening is more than giving a ferry its name. It is a symbolic moment for the Polish Steamship Company and for Poland. We are celebrating PŻM’s 75th anniversary. Ships and technology have changed, but one thing has not: Poland needs a strong maritime economy. We have the Baltic Sea, major ports, people and expertise. We must have Polish shipowners and a strong Polish fleet. I would like to thank everyone who worked to make it possible for Bursztyn to sail under the Polish flag. A strong Polish flag is a shared responsibility. I thank the shipyard workers, engineers and designers,” Dariusz Doskocz said.

The public will be able to visit the ferry

Tours of Bursztyn Unity have been scheduled for 12 and 13 November, but all places for these visits have already been taken. The next opportunity to see the new vessel will be during an open day on Saturday, 14 November. Local residents will be able to visit the ferry free of charge, including its passenger and vehicle decks. Tours will take place in groups accompanied by guides.

“Representatives of central and local government, the shipowner, invited guests and the ferry’s crew will attend the ceremony. The programme includes official speeches, the traditional christening of the vessel by her godmother, culminating in the symbolic breaking of a bottle against the ferry’s hull, and the ceremonial hoisting of the flag,” said Katarzyna Antoń, Executive Director of Marketing at POLSCA Baltic Ferries.

“After completing her visit to Szczecin, Bursztyn Unity will head for Ystad in Sweden. She is scheduled to leave Szczecin on 15 November and make her first call at the port there early the following morning. This will be a technical voyage, without passengers or cargo. After arriving in Ystad, further technical work, equipment installation and testing will be carried out, along with preparations for the ferry’s onshore power supply system (OPS). These tasks may take up to two days to complete,” said Paweł Pluto-Prądzyński, President of the Management Board of POLSCA Baltic Ferries.

Under current plans, Bursztyn Unity will begin regular operations on 18 November on the Świnoujście–Ystad route, under the joint POLSCA Baltic Ferries commercial brand, which brings together the operators Unity Line, Polferries and Hass Holding. The first scheduled regular departure from Ystad is planned for no later than 13:00.

The newest ferry in the POLSCA Baltic Ferries fleet is 195.6 metres long and 32.2 metres wide. She has a crew of 50. Her propulsion system consists of four liquefied natural gas engines, a hybrid battery system and azimuth thrusters. The vessel has 4,100 lane metres of cargo space and can accommodate up to 400 passengers and 270 standard lorries.