Certex Polska supports Jantar Unity: KITO deliveries for Ro-Pax ferries

Last weekend, the christening of the ferry Jantar Unity took place—an event that was symbolic, but above all an important step toward the vessel’s regular operation. It also sent a strong signal to the market: Poland’s shipbuilding industry is now delivering projects that combine modern technology, high safety requirements, and the ambition to build some of the most advanced Ro-Pax ferries in the Baltic Sea.

For Certex Polska, this occasion has an additional dimension. As part of the project carried out at Remontowa Shipyard in Gdańsk, we are a supplier of lifting equipment—solutions essential for the safe and efficient maintenance of key propulsion components and the ship’s technical infrastructure. Our deliveries include KITO equipment in a special configuration, prepared in cooperation with KITO VAN LEUSDEN.

Ro-Pax ferries — an investment of strategic importance

The construction of Ro-Pax ferries in Gdańsk is one of the most significant investments in Poland’s shipbuilding industry in recent years. The project covers the building of three vessels, which are expected to be among the most modern ferries in the Baltic Sea—featuring LNG propulsion and a hybrid system supported by battery power. This direction responds both to operators’ performance requirements and to growing expectations regarding energy efficiency and environmental impact.

The christening of Jantar Unity and the start of its regular sailings mark another milestone, showing how the project’s assumptions are becoming a reality.

Why lifting equipment is crucial in an engine room

A ship’s engine room is a demanding environment: limited space, continuous operation, vibration, humidity, and often saline conditions. At the same time, many maintenance tasks must be carried out quickly and safely—downtime is costly, and the reliability of technical infrastructure is a top priority.

That is why in modern marine projects, lifting equipment is not an “add-on”—it is a core part of the infrastructure that affects:

• the speed and ergonomics of inspections,
• the safety of maintenance work,
• repeatability and precision of positioning,
• the reduction of failure risks resulting from improvised lifting methods.

What did Certex Polska deliver?

As part of the project for Remontowa Shipyard in Gdańsk, Certex Polska delivers KITO equipment in a special configuration (in cooperation with KITO VAN LEUSDEN) intended for use on marine vessels.

1) 0.98 t monorail cranes — compact and “tailor-made”

Each ferry will be equipped with four diesel generators. Above each engine, a compact 0.98 t monorail crane is planned, intended for maintenance activities such as:

• servicing,
• repairs,
• replacement of components,
• safe lifting of parts during inspections.

Choosing a compact solution is no coincidence—every centimeter matters in an engine room, and service access must be ensured without rebuilding the surrounding infrastructure.

2) Electric trolleys with rack-and-pinion drive — precision of movement

Each crane consists of four electric travel trolleys with rack-and-pinion drive. This design ensures:

• smooth movement along the rail,
• precise positioning,
• stable guidance in demanding operating conditions.

In practice, this means greater control during maintenance operations and a lower risk of errors caused by jerking or uncontrolled travel.

3) Electric chain hoists — dedicated to specific engines

In addition, above each engine there is one electric chain hoist, mounted on a travel trolley. Each hoist independently serves a dedicated engine, which supports better maintenance planning and enables work to be carried out efficiently and safely.

Special configuration and cooperation with KITO VAN LEUSDEN

In marine projects, “standard” is often not enough. A special configuration means adapting the solution to the realities of a vessel: the geometry of the space, operating method, maintenance requirements, and environmental conditions.

Cooperation with KITO VAN LEUSDEN makes it possible to combine experience in industrial lifting solutions with the typically “marine” expertise where design details and long-term reliability are crucial.

The christening of Jantar Unity is an important moment for the entire maritime industry. For Certex Polska, it also confirms the role we play as a supplier of lifting solutions that support safe operation and maintenance of key equipment on marine vessels.

Thank you for the trust and cooperation to all teams involved in the project—there are more stages and more vessels ahead. 🤝