Polsteam Gopło has joined the fleet of Polska Żegluga Morska (Polsteam/PŻM). It is the twelfth and final laker in a series built for the Polish shipowner at a Chinese shipyard belonging to Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) Group. This marks the completion of PŻM’s programme, launched in 2024, to build a series of modern vessels designed for operations on the Great Lakes of North America.

Polsteam Gopło was built to a “methanol-ready” standard, meaning that the vessel has been prepared for the potential future use of methanol as a fuel. The solution is intended to facilitate any future retrofit and adaptation of the vessel to stricter environmental requirements.

On its maiden voyage from South Korea to Canada, the vessel is commanded by Captain Piotr Mikołajczyk. The ship will load steel at the Korean ports of Incheon and Gwangyang. The cargo will be delivered to companies located at the Canadian ports of Three Rivers, Hamilton and Port Colborne.

The vessel’s godmother is Marlena Alabrudzińska, head of the accounting department at Agio Sp. z o.o., part of the PŻM Group.

– With Polsteam Gopło entering service, we are completing the programme launched in 2024 to build 12 modern lakers. The series was opened by Polsteam Dąbie and is now being completed by Polsteam Gopło. We welcome Polsteam Gopło to the fleet and wish her successful voyages! – the shipowner said on social media.

PŻM’s Lakers on the Great Lakes

The new vessels belong to the group of so-called lakers – ships designed to operate on the Great Lakes of North America. Their design must take into account the limitations resulting from the dimensions of canals, locks and port approaches leading to this extensive waterway.

The vessels in the new series are around 200 metres long, just under 24 metres wide and have a deadweight of approximately 37,000 DWT.

Another characteristic feature of the series is the tradition of naming the vessels after Polish lakes. PŻM’s new ships include Polsteam Dąbie, Polsteam Koprowo, Polsteam Łebsko, Polsteam Pile, Polsteam Okra, Polsteam Rudno, Polsteam Wigry, Polsteam Wadąg, Polsteam Roś and Polsteam Gopło.

Photos: PŻM (Polsteam)/ press release