A new ferry, Jantar Unity, is beginning regular service on the Baltic Sea, linking Poland and Sweden and arriving with an ambition to “change the rules of the game” on the Poland–Scandinavia corridor. The ship is also being presented as a symbolic milestone for Poland’s shipbuilding industry: according to the operator and Polish media coverage, Jantar Unity is the first ferry of this type built in Poland in nearly half a century.
The vessel was christened and showcased in Szczecin, an event framed locally as exceptional in scale. Jantar Unity is a giant by regional standards, measuring roughly 200 metres in length and about 32 metres in width, and its dimensions stand out even in a port accustomed to handling large ships.
Cargo first, passengers too
Although the ferry can carry up to 400 passengers, its primary purpose is freight transport on the Poland–Scandinavia axis. In practical terms, that means trucks and trailers: ferries remain one of the most important logistics channels for moving goods between Sweden and continental Europe. Jantar Unity has been described as offering very high cargo capacity, with space for large numbers of heavy vehicles per crossing depending on configuration and load planning.
On the operational side, the Świnoujście–Trelleborg route is expected to take around 6.5 hours. The ship’s entry into regular service is meant to strengthen one of the key Baltic links used by both hauliers and travellers.
LNG and a hybrid system: quieter, more efficient, cleaner
Jantar Unity is promoted as one of the most modern ro-pax ferries operating in the Baltic. It is powered by four LNG-fuelled engines supported by a battery system in a hybrid configuration. In the operator’s account, this translates into lower fuel consumption, quieter operation and significantly reduced emissions compared with older ferries relying solely on diesel propulsion.
The ship’s manoeuvring set-up is also designed around modern solutions. Instead of a classic rudder arrangement, Jantar Unity uses azimuth thrusters that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing precise positioning in port and smoother handling at terminals. In practice, this makes it easier for the vessel to move forward, astern, sideways and even turn almost on the spot—an advantage in busy ferry ports.
A “floating hotel”: cabins, leisure areas and family-friendly spaces
Passenger comfort is another pillar of the project. The operator highlights a range of cabin options, including higher-standard rooms, alongside shared spaces such as dining facilities, bars and leisure zones. The aim is to meet expectations of travellers who increasingly treat the crossing as part of the journey rather than merely a transfer between two points.
At the same time, many passengers on shorter or overnight crossings still opt to travel without booking a cabin, using airline-style reclining seats instead. This helps keep the offer flexible and price-accessible for travellers who want a simple, efficient passage.
Polsca branding, but a Cypriot flag: the debate over “flags of convenience”
The launch has been accompanied by strong messaging about the ship’s “Polishness,” from domestic construction and ceremonial promotion to the Polsca brand, which is meant to underline the Poland–Scandinavia connection. At the same time, the vessel has drawn attention because it sails under a Cypriot flag. This sparked debate about the realities of international shipping, where regulatory and tax conditions can determine competitiveness. Government representatives have argued that if Poland wants more ships to fly the white-and-red flag, it needs rules that keep operating costs competitive, otherwise carriers could struggle financially in a global market.
Built in Poland, with more to come
Jantar Unity was built at the Remontowa shipyard. Its debut is widely seen as the beginning of a broader renewal of Poland’s ferry fleet, with further newbuilds planned to enter service in 2026.
In practical terms, this is not only a new ship but also a test of a wider strategy: whether Poland can build large, state-of-the-art ro-pax ferries domestically, operate them profitably in a highly competitive market, and strengthen its position on Baltic routes that are a crucial artery for trade with Northern Europe.
