Minister of Climate and Environment, Michał Kurtyka, pointed out that one of the objectives of this initiative was to improve knowledge of the ocean floor and its raw material deposits, as well as the development of research technologies.

“With a seagoing research vessel, Poland will gain a historic opportunity to conduct ocean, environmental and geophysical research. The research vessel will also be an important support for the Polish Arctic and Antarctic stations,” he explained.

“This initiative will also allow national spending and support of the Polish shipbuilding industry and national research institutions,” he noted.

As stressed by the Minister of Education and Science, Przemysław Czarnek, acquiring a multi-purpose vessel is in line with the Polish national interest and the aim to act as a strong player in the world of international research. This was also emphasised by ministers at the meeting of the ministers of science dedicated to Arctic research, that took place last week in Tokyo.

“The acquisition or construction of a research and logistics vessel is an entry into the global leaders of polar and marine research. The provision of logistics and supplies for Polish Polar stations and the implementation of international obligations is an important argument as well. It is worth noting that having such a vessel enables inviting foreign researchers and partners to implement, together with Poland and our outstanding scientists, breakthrough research and observation on climate change and its effects on the ecosystem,” said Minister Czarnek.

According to the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Marek Gróbarczyk, the acquisition of the research vessel will increase the research potential of Polish maritime universities and support the Polish shipbuilding industry, which will take part in this initiative.

“The new Polish research vessel will allow practical training of students from maritime academies, especially the Maritime University of Szczecin, which will be the shipowner of the vessel. The Maritime University of Szczecin has been conducting for many years research on the use of positioning and measuring systems in the sea water and on the seabed, it is therefore necessary to support activities aimed at ensuring an adequate level of training for the teaching of the experts specialising in ocean research, as well as in the operation and exploitation of equipment and vessels, including for the purposes of the extraction sector,” highlighted Deputy Minister Gróbarczyk.

He then added that the acquisition of a research vessel will allow to give up on costly chartering of ships and depending of their availability. The Polish shipbuilding industry, which will be involved in this initiative, will also benefit from the acquisition.

Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment Piotr Dziadzio, the Chief National Geologist and Government Plenipotentiary for the State’s Raw Materials Policy, informed that the key issue in this project is to rationalise public spending and to ensure that tasks are carried out with certainty, which will be possible thanks to the implementation of the planned project by the institutes indicated in the list.

“The vessel will carry out research in both the Baltic Sea and the oceans. In Poland, there was a lack of such units and the purchase of the vessel will be an important step for the development of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, the Polish Academy of Science or the Maritime University, which will be able to conduct research and train researchers on their own national unit. It will also strengthen our position in the world of science,” he explained.

“Attracting a floating research unit will also allow for cooperation and exchange of experience with foreign research institutions,” he added.