Jantar Unity – a new chapter in the history of Polish ferry shipping

Ferry Jantar Unity / Source: Sławomir Lewandowski / portalmorski.pl

On September 15th, 2025, from the Gdańsk Remontowa Shipyard, the Jantar Unity set sail – the first of the modern Ro-Pax ferries being built for Polish shipowners as part of the POLSCA Baltic Ferries project. The vessel began a two-week program of sea trials in the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk, marking a key stage in its preparation for operation.

The ferry is being built on behalf of the company Polskie Promy, with construction carried out by the Gdańsk Remontowa Shipyard. The contract was signed in November 2021, and physical production began a year later. The project involves building three Ro-Pax ferries, with Jantar Unity being the first to enter service in early 2026. The following vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, with an option to extend the order to a fourth ship.

Each ferry will measure 195.6 meters in length, 32.2 meters in width, and have a cargo lane length of 4,100 meters, allowing the transport of a large number of trucks and passenger vehicles. The deck will accommodate 400 passengers and 50 crew members. The vessels will reach a maximum speed of 19 knots.

The ship’s propulsion system is an advanced hybrid setup, consisting of four engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplemented by battery support. Instead of traditional propellers, azimuth thrusters are used at the stern and bow thrusters at the bow, significantly improving maneuverability, especially when docking in ports.

The current sea trials aim to comprehensively test all the vessel’s systems – from propulsion performance under full load, through safety systems, to noise and vibration levels. Procedures for SRTP (Safe Return To Port), allowing the ship to safely return to port in case of failure, are also being tested.

Jantar Unity is not only a modern vessel but also the first ferry to be operated under the colors of the new Polish company POLSCA Baltic Ferries, established in May 2025 by leading national shipowners: Polska Żegluga Morska (Unity Line), Polska Żegluga Bałtycka (Polferries), and EuroAfrica. The new brand aims to strengthen the position of Polish carriers in the Baltic Sea and effectively compete with German and Scandinavian operators.

[PROMY24.COM]