Poland: A Rising Power in Superyacht Construction

Gdańsk has a long shipbuilding history, with maritime roots tracing back to the 10th century. The current shipyard was established during World War II by the German company “Boots- und Yachtwerft Friedrich Krupp Danzig-Heubude” (1942–1945). After the war, it evolved through many phases, leading to the formation of Marine Projects Ltd. in 1989, which laid the groundwork for today’s superyacht craftsmanship.

Initially, the company focused on building commercial vessels, fishing boats, barges, and composite sailing yachts. A major turning point came in 1993 with the completion of the ambitious 61-meter brigantine Swan Fan Makkum, marking the shipyard’s entry into large-scale yacht projects. In 2003, Marine Projects Ltd. founded Conrad Shipyard https://conradshipyard.com/, dedicated exclusively to constructing luxury superyachts. Named after the Polish-British writer Joseph Conrad Korzeniowski, Conrad Shipyard is a family-owned enterprise with a rich heritage and bold ambitions.

Media4Marine was lucky to witness the production process firsthand, having been invited to Gdańsk for a study tour organized by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH)

Photo: Media4Marine

Chairman and CEO Mikołaj Król, along with Project Manager Paweł Polak, gave us a comprehensive tour of the shipyard and answered all our questions. Conrad Shipyard specializes in high-end luxury sailing and motor yachts, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The company employs around 500 skilled maritime specialists—from experienced engineers to master artisans of both classic and modern yacht-building techniques. This fusion of heritage and innovation gives Conrad a unique problem-solving approach, where time-honoured methods meet contemporary solutions.

At Conrad Shipyard, the entire yacht-building process is managed in-house—from initial design concepts to final delivery. Each project is fully customized, with engineers working closely with designers to optimize space, functionality, and aesthetics according to the owner’s vision. The company takes pride in its highly individualized approach to every client and every yacht. As Paweł Polak put it, “The moment when the client walks onto the deck for the first time is extremely rewarding.” This passion for perfection and attention to detail lies at the heart of Conrad’s success, driven by a team genuinely devoted to the art of yacht-building.

The awards speak for themselves. In 2018, Conrad Shipyard launched the 40-meter motor yacht Viatoris, which won the prestigious World Superyacht Award in 2019.

Chairman and CEO Mikołaj Król/Photo: Media4Marine

Photo: Conrad Shipyard

More recently, in 2022, they launched ACE, a 44.27-meter superyacht that holds the title of the largest motor yacht ever built in Poland. Since its inception in 2003, Conrad Shipyard has maintained a steady pace of launching approximately one fully custom yacht per year, focusing on uncompromising quality over mass production. Their facilities include a 100-meter dry dock and expansive quayside outfitting areas, positioning them for future growth. While specific expansion plans have yet to be officially announced, the company’s ambition to scale up for larger builds is clear.

Conrad Shipyard has come a long way—and rather than slowing down, they’re accelerating. With award-winning projects and a rapidly ascending reputation on the global stage, Conrad Shipyard is poised to play an even greater role in the superyacht industry in the years ahead.

Adrian Daniluk

Media4Marine