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Rapid development, new profiles of production and investments – this is the current situation of Gdańsk Shipyard, the company known not only in the marine industry as a manufacturer of ships, but also as a symbol of struggle for free and independent Poland.

During 60 years of its history, Gdańsk Shipyard has built over 1000 ships and hulls for companies around the world. Now, the company conquers the market of steel constructions and the renewable energy sector.

According to the restructuring plan, Gdańsk Shipyard is to focus its activity on three types of production: specialized vessels, wind towers and various types of large steel constructions. Those three types of products are to strengthen even further the company’s marketing position and on the other hand, to expand the production profile of the yard. Experience gained with years of shipbuilding has resulted with highly specialized staff and technologically advanced products. The yard means primarily - huge production potential and excellent machinery, currently supported by, automated, new generation devices and tools, such as modern designing software. With technologically advanced products that meet the highest quality standards and strict requirements of Customers around the world, Gdańsk Shipyard has gained recognition and trust of all the company’s Recipients.

At first, there was a ship
The shipyard has built more than 1000 ocean – going units of various types. The company has recently been very active in the highly specialist units, mainly for offshore, sector. Since the privatization of the yard (2008), ten such units have been built, including PSV, SRV, DSV and more, all meeting the highest standards The company produces other kinds of vessels as well ( gas carriers, passenger/car ferries) mainly based on the company’s own projects, but not only. Moreover the shipyard produces also steel constructions , such as crane jibs and booms, tanks, chimneys and pipelines, and structural elements of large steel constructions, e.g. bridges, roads and stadiums. During last two years, Gdańsk Shipyard manufactured 12 thousand tons of such constructions, Gdańsk Shipyard. ambition is to become the market leader in on and offshore wind towers production. The most modern production line in Poland was opened in Gdansk Shipyard in November, especially to meet the requirements of the wind towers production sector.

It is worth mentioning that thanks to the Yard’s extensive research facilities such as. Bureau of Product Development & Production Support and own Laboratory the company offers a wide range of services in the scope of ship and other steel constructions design ,. The prestigious certificates, such as the Quality Management System, complying with the requirements of PN – EN ISO 9001:2001 norm, certificates of approval of the Technical Inspection, Polish Register of Shipping and international Classification Societies: GL, DNV, RINA and Lloyd Register confirm the high standards of safety and quality of work. The above mentioned certificates cover all areas of the company’s business activity.

Definitely the most important factor that determines the development of the Yard are its Employees. The company attaches great importance to measures aimed at continuous improvement of skills and competencies of personnel in all positions, which is possible due to extensive training systems.

The great advantage of the yard is its technological infrastructure: two outfitting berths, modern cleaning and painting line, specialized cranes and finally seven – acre production hall with yaerly production capacity of 150 thousand tons, the largest hall in Central Europe. All these features combined with the location of Gdańsk Shipyard give the company significant advantage over The competition.

Shipyard focuses on towers
Although the core of the company’s business activity was until recently shipbuilding, the current Shipyard’s offer is much wider. . Wind towers for renewable energy production set a new direction of the company’s development. and so , on the 18th of November 2010 Stocznia Gdańsk opened the largest in Poland production line of wind towers . It is another step in the realisation of the Business Plan of Gdansk Shipyard and the agenda envisages further expansion of production. The construction of a new factory begins next year.

This new profile of production will increase the shipyards’ competitiveness. A new entity - GSG Towers – was established to realise this new business target. Thomas Gaardbo, a renowned executive, who gained his experience at one of the biggest producers of the wind energy industry, is responsible for the commercialization of GSG Towers;

- Through the plans implemented at Gdansk Shipyard and by the strategic logistical position I see enormous development potential for a world class full range supplier for the Wind Energy Industry and I’m absolutely convinced that we are about to create one of the most outstanding European factories in the areas of steel construction for the Wind Energy Industry, capable of delivering to all potential customers in this Industry.

Nowadays the new production line produces towers for the purpose of the contract signed with a renowned German company Nordex. This company is, already for 25 years, a world leader in the production of turbines and complete wind power stations. The contract with the Shipyard includes production of fully equipped wind towers for Nordex. - Wind power has great potential not only in terms of clean energy production , but also in terms of increasing the employment rate in Poland – says Marek Thau, CEO of Nordex Polska. - We felt that the Shipyard has the suitable location (close to the harbour) and skilled Employees (known producer of ships and steel structures) to produce the towers not only for the needs of Polish market – he adds. Until now, Nordex has installed around the world over 4200 turbines with a production capacity exceeding 6000 MW. The share of export equals over 95 % of the company’s turnover. - Nordex plays big part in the international regional development – explains Director Thau. - Poland has very good prospects. We see it as one of the most attractive markets in the future. We put great emphasis on the use of local resources and cooperation with companies operating in the selected region – Mr. Thau adds. Nordex Group has its office in Warsaw and employs over 2400 Employees all around the world.

– Introduction of the new production profile is very good news for the Yard – says Jarosław Łasiński, Chairman of the Board of Gdańsk Shipyard S.A. - - We have a reliable client and favourable development perspectives. It means financial strengthening and work for well-qualified workers.

- Recently opened production line can ”release” 100 towers per year, both on and offshore type. The construction of the wind power station sections requires very precise workmanship and perfect coating protection, as the wind tower has to support overloads depending on the weather condition. Inside it has to fit all the installations and a staircase or lift system allowing service access to the turbine.

In two years another phase of the investment is foreseen - the most modern wind tower factory in a separate hall with capacity of 200 towers annually.

- The factory is another step in the implementation of the Gdańsk Shipyard’s Business Plan. - says Andrzej Stokłosa, President of Gdansk Shipyard. - It is also a proof of how seriously the investor treats his commitment twards the Shipyard. 

Written by Ms. Aldona Dybuk

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