On Saturday, 3 October, Gdynia Maritime University officially opened the new academic year. The inauguration was preceded by a Mass at 9:00 am at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St Peter the Fisherman in Gdynia. The official opening ceremony of the 2026/2027 academic year was held at Southern Pier next to the Dar Młodzieży.

At 11:00 am, the university colours were brought in by the Honour Guard Company of Gdynia Maritime University, accompanied by the Representative Band of the Polish Navy. To the sound of the Polish national anthem, the national flag was raised on the flagpole. New students, doctoral students, university staff and invited guests were welcomed by the Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Professor Adam Weintrit, PhD, DSc, Eng., Master Mariner. A total of 2,119 new students began their studies. In all, more than 5,000 students and 44 doctoral students are currently studying at the university.

– The inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year is a celebration for the entire Gdynia Maritime University community. It is a special day – one that symbolically opens another chapter in the life of our university community. Above all, however, it is a celebration for those who today are joining the ranks of our students and doctoral students – said the Rector of Gdynia Maritime University.

Adam Weintrit also spoke about the Dar Młodzieży.

– The Dar Młodzieży is not merely a ship – incidentally, it is one of the most beautiful sailing ships currently sailing the world's seas and oceans. It is a floating academy which every year, for several weeks and sometimes several months, becomes a home, a lecture hall and a place of practical training for hundreds of young people – not only students of our university, but also pupils of secondary maritime schools and students of partner universities from abroad. The Dar Młodzieży is not merely a floating maritime school; it is a school of life, a school of building relationships, strengthening friendships, learning to respect the unique force that is the sea, and developing trust and responsibility. In a word – it is a school of character – he stressed.

The Rector of Gdynia Maritime University recalled that the vessel had recently completed a transatlantic voyage and taken part in celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. During the voyage, the propeller was damaged in a storm. The Rector acknowledged that, despite efforts to maintain her, the ship is now showing her age. A tender for the design and construction of a successor to the Dar Młodzieży was announced in the summer. However, there have been no discussions about withdrawing the vessel from service or transferring her to another operator.

A special letter to the Gdynia Maritime University community was sent by President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki, Speaker of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty and Speaker of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka also addressed the gathering. Speaking to students of Gdynia Maritime University, he said:

– Dear students, remember one thing: you have not come here merely to obtain a degree. You have come here to gain the skills Poland will need. This is an obligation, but it is also a tremendous opportunity. Our country will need your knowledge, your ideas and your courage. In a dozen or so years, you will be the skilled workforce I have spoken about, and it may well be you who create solutions that do not yet exist today. That is my wish for you – said Deputy Minister Marchewka.

Photo: Gdynia Maritime University