Gryfia floating dock modules launched in Szczecin build programme

The first two modules of a new floating dock for Gryfia Marine Ship Repair Yard have been launched at Szczecin Wulkan Shipyard, marking a major step in one of Poland’s largest recent shiprepair infrastructure projects. The first, central section entered the Oder River on 19th April. The module weighs 3,600 tonnes and measures 70 metres long, 46 metres wide and 19 metres high. Yard officials said the operation took about eight hours and required a heavy pontoon from Norway, self-propelled modular transporters from Belgium and tug support. A second section, more than 80 metres long, followed on 22nd April. The full 240-metre dock is due for delivery in July 2027.

Grzegorz Huszcz, management board representative responsible for production organisation at Szczecin Shipyard Wulkan, said even light wind complicated the launch because of the size of the structure. He said the hull would be assembled entirely on the water, describing it as the first operation of that scale in Poland.

The dock was first priced at PLN 130 million (EUR 30 million), but cost estimates have since risen sharply. Officials have said the final figure could reach PLN 400 million (EUR 95 million). Once complete, Dock No. 8 will handle vessels up to 230m long and 24,000 tonnes, including RoPax ferries and ships fitted with azimuth thrusters.