The Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI) is involved in developing a concept for a modern, multi-purpose training and research vessel.

The initiative is being implemented by the Maritime University in Szczecin as part of the multi-year programme ‘Shipbuilding for maritime universities in 2025–2029’, adopted by a resolution of the Council of Ministers in 2025.

In order to ensure the project’s high substantive standard, the Rector of the Maritime University has appointed an Advisory and Scientific Council. Its role is to provide advice on the design of the vessel, its specialist equipment and its intended use. The Council comprises representatives from leading academic and research institutions in Poland, including institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, technical universities and research institutes.

The PGI-NRI was represented by Prof. Krzysztof Szamałek – Director of PGI-NRI, Professor Jerzy Nawrocki from the Department of Regional and Mineral Deposits Geology (nominated by the MCSU in Lublin) and Dr Michał Tomczak from the Pomeranian Branch of the Institute of the PGI-NRI in Szczecin. The involvement of the Institute’s experts, who specialise in marine geology, oceanographic research and continental shelf issues, enables the vessel’s design to be tailored to the needs of national geological and environmental research into the seas and oceans.

The planned vessel will become a key component of the national research infrastructure. It will be used both for teaching purposes and for conducting advanced oceanographic, geological and environmental research. It will also be used in the work of the national geological service and in fulfilling Poland’s international obligations.

The construction of the vessel is of strategic importance for the development of Polish science and the future strategy of marine research. The new vessel will facilitate the development of expertise and technology, enable comprehensive research and support critical infrastructure. At the same time, it will provide the conditions for the practical training of students during real-life maritime operations, using state-of-the-art research, navigation and positioning systems.

The implementation of the project and the development of inter-institutional cooperation will help to strengthen Poland’s position on the international stage. The involvement of a wide range of experts provides the foundation for the new vessel to become one of the most modern and functional ships of its kind in Europe.