By
Rebecca Gibson |
Established in June 1945, Remontowa Shipbuilding is the largest shipbuilder in Poland today. Having started out constructing and repairing wagons, tramways and small ships, the company then went on to specialise in fishing vessels before a 40-year stint building warships and special naval vessels. Fifteen years ago, Remontowa made a decision to diversify its product portfolio and began constructing ferries. Since then it has built around 40 ferries and its business is going from strength to strength.
“Our decision to specialise in building ro-ro vessels is certainly paying off,” says Paszkowski. “We’re committed to evolving with our clients’ demands and ensuring the vessels we build are best suited to the environment they will operate in. The ferries we build for a Scottish line, for example, can be quite different to the ones we build for a Norwegian operator. We’ve delivered ferries that operate along the west coast of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides, and we’ve had to ensure they meet the necessary stability, subdivision and manoeuvrability requirements. In Norway, however, there is a much greater focus in the market on vessels being environmentally friendly and efficient.”
In 2010, Remontowa completed an order from one of the biggest Norwegian ferry operators for four liquefied natural gas (LNG) ferries. Each vessel is powered by one diesel engine and two LNG-fuelled main engines, which generate electric power for both main propulsion motors by driving an azimuthing propulsion thruster at each end of the ship. Recognised for meeting the strictest environmental regulations, the shipbuilder was presented the Green Ship of the Year Award at the 2010 Green Ship Technology Conference.
“We’re making quite a name for ourselves when it comes to building green ferries,” says Paszkowski. “In 2012, we delivered four more state-of-the-art, green ro-ro vessels for another Norwegian ferry operator. They all operate in difficult weather conditions beyond the Arctic Circle, serving local communities and tourists. One of the vessels, Landegode, won an award for the innovative propulsion system we built. Just last year we completed an order for another two ferries that are powered solely by LNG and compressed natural gas, and we’re currently constructing a dual-fuel ferry for a Danish shipowner.”
Looking ahead, Paszkowski expects demand for LNG-fuelled vessels to really take off. “The global passenger shipping industry is under pressure to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide, and LNG is proving a viable, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional marine fuels,” he says. “It not only significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but it also offers notable economic benefits.”
Much like it has done for the last 68 years, Remontowa will continue to focus on its customers’ demands and adapt its business to suit new market trends. “We’re always looking for ways to grow our business, and to do that we have to be aware of market changes and competitive inroads,” says Paszkowski. “We’ve worked hard to establish ourselves in the ferry construction industry and we’re now looking to grow our presence worldwide.”
This article appeared in the Spring/Summer 2014 edition of International Cruise & Ferry Review. To read other articles, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats.