Within its length of 29 metres, this ice class vessel packs in many useful features. As well as considerable fire fighting capability, it is a useful spill response vessel and a relatively powerful (45 tbp) harbour tug and well-equipped general-purpose workboat.
The Swinoujscie Seaports Authority has obtained a very versatile small ship from local builder Remontowa Shipbuilding.
"The importance of this vessel project is evidenced by the fact that the construction was co-financed by the European Union from the Cohesion Fund under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment," Dariusz Jaguszewski, Chief Executive Officer of Remontowa Shipbuilding, told Baird Maritime.
"It is tailored to the meteorological and hydrographic conditions in the waters of the southern Baltic Sea. Among other tasks, the ship is designed to perform fire protection tasks in cargo handling, transport of hazardous materials by tankers carrying flammable gases and liquids (such as LNG) that require the assistance of a firefighting unit, and rescue and port safety functions."
Jaguszewski added that the vessel can also perform emergency towing to help preserve lives and property as well as respond to oil spills even in icy waters. The vessel itself also boasts a high degree of manoeuvrability.
Remontowa Shipbuilding encountered no difficulty in the construction, as the company has considerable experience in building firefighting vessels for the Polish Navy, offshore support vessels with firefighting systems, and tugs utilising various propulsion configurations. For Strazak-28, the vessel used a modified variant of an existing naval tug design that is also capable of firefighting and oil spill response.
For Jaguszewski, the shipbuilding industry is subject to the influence of global trends and resulting new regulations.
"One of the main trends we're seeing is decarbonisation of shipping. That's why shipyards worldwide are focusing on ensuring environmental protection as well as the means towards this goal. For instance, there are regulations that aim to reduce the emission of CO2, SOx, NOx, and other harmful substances into the atmosphere. To meet requirements, newly built ships are fitted with innovative low-emission propulsion systems using batteries or alternative fuels such as LNG that reduce the need for fossil fuels."
He added that more vessels are being fitted with various energy-saving technologies to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. This enables both newbuild and existing vessels to comply with energy efficiency indices such as EEDI and EEXI.
"We are also witnessing the implementation of digital technologies, which certainly facilitate and increase the efficiency of maritime operations. Safety and accident prevention are also important aspects, and implementation of the relevant legislation is being carried out continuously."
The year 2023 was a busy one for Remontowa Shipbuilding, as indicated by a succession of completed newbuilding projects.
"We completed construction of a third mine countermeasures vessel for the Polish Navy and are working on two other sister ships," Jaguszewski told Baird Maritime. "We also commenced construction of two signals intelligence ships. Even the end of the year was particularly promising, as we entered into an agreement to build a hybrid-powered vehicle and passenger vessel for one of the largest ferry operators in Norway."
He added that the past year was much more profitable for Remontowa Shipbuilding compared to the earlier years following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, the recently signed new ferry contract for Norway and the company's previous commitments encourage RSB to be optimistic about the future.