Poland

Boats and yachts made in Poland

Among around 1000 companies in the maritime industry in Poland, manufacturers of motor boats, motor yachts, sailing yachts, solar boats, or just tender boats, the following brands have already gained a worldwide reputation: Sunreef Yachts, Galeon Yachts, Parker, Cobrey, Delphia, Northman. Few more emerging brands include: Green Dream Boats, Golden Slide, Lamdo Yachts, Stillo Yachts, Galia, or Northmaster.

How are Polish yachts perceived by others?

Polish yachts and boats are highly praised globally for their top-notch quality, exceptional craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. They have earned numerous prestigious accolades and honors in various international competitions.

As a result, these qualities have attracted buyers of luxury goods from both European and non-European countries, leading to a steady increase in the export of Polish yachts and boats over the years. Interestingly, renowned figures such as international tennis sensation Rafael Nadal (proud owner of a lavish 80 Sunreef Power yacht) and former F1® World Champion Nico Rosberg (ambassador for Sunreef Yachts' Eco line of catamarans) are among the admirers of Polish yachts. It is worth noting that both of their yachts were manufactured in Gdańsk.

Polish yacht manufacturer Galeon Yachts is widely recognized for their cutting-edge features like the rotating cockpit sofa and 'Beach Mode' drop-down sides. Additionally, Conrad Shipyard's 133' Viatoris was the recipient of an award at the World Superyacht Awards in London.

Maritime industry in Poland

The maritime industry in Poland has a rich history, with many boatbuilders emerging after World War I when Poland regained independence in 1918. Some shipyards have roots dating back to the 19th century. In the past two decades, yacht production in Poland has seen significant growth. In the early 1990s, the value of around 3000 completed yachts was worth several million dollars.

Presently, production has surged to over 25,000 sailboats and motor yachts, valued at several hundred million dollars. Between 2005 and 2007, during a period of global production growth, Polish yacht sales exceeded 22.5 thousand annually, showcasing the potential of Polish boat builders. The recent global economic crisis led to a sharp downturn in the maritime industry, with sales plummeting by over 50% in the United States and slightly better in Europe.

Polish boat manufacturers heavily rely on exports, with approximately 95% of their production being shipped abroad.

Polish maritime industry in figures

The Polish maritime industry can be quantified in the following figures:

• Poland is the second largest producer of 6-11 meters motor yachts worldwide, after the United States.
• In 2021, Poland ranked first in the European Union for the value of yacht exports, with a total of 455.2 million euros.
• Following Poland, the top five EU countries for yacht exports in terms of value were Finland (64.9 million euros), Portugal (47.2 million euros), Italy (36.6 million euros), and France (20.7 million euros).
• The main export destinations for Poland's yacht exports in 2021 were the Netherlands (8.2%), Norway (8.1%), the United States (16.9%), Germany (15.7%), and France (9.7%).

Polish maritime history

The primary boat builders in Poland are concentrated in four key regions: Western Pomerania, Pomerania, Warmia and Mazury, and Suwałki. These areas account for over 80% of the production of Polish sailing yachts and houseboats, making them the heart of the country's sailing and maritime industry. These regions also house the industry's research and development facilities, contributing to Poland's strong presence in international markets. The establishment of this foundation required years of dedication from skilled individuals.

Poland's prominent position in the industry is a testament to the expertise of those who have dedicated themselves to designing and constructing sailing yachts and power boats, including day cruisers, pilothouses, and cabin cruisers. For over 40 years, Poland was part of a group of countries with specialized sectors, with Poland being recognized as a leading producer of tanks (displacement hull) and yachts (planing hull), among other specialties.

The production of armored combat vehicles has faced challenges, but the yacht manufacturing industry in Poland has thrived in today's market economy. Many yachts sailing in the waters of former Soviet Union countries like Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia proudly bear the label 'Made in Poland.'

Following the political transformation, Poland's market economy and maritime industry experienced significant growth and dynamism. Foreign investments flowed into the country, with major global producers choosing Polish shipyards for yacht and boat orders. This preference is not only due to lower labor costs but also the presence of skilled professionals capable of handling complex productions, such as boats with flybridges. Recognizing the profit potential, new domestic economic entities, boat manufacturers, and yacht equipment factories have emerged in Poland.