1951
Polish Steamship Company established
A state-owned enterprise established by the Ordinance of the Minister of Shipping dated January 2, 1951.
Our history
How it all began…
Polska Żegluga Morska P.P. is a company with a long-standing tradition, whose history dates back to the early years of the post-war reconstruction of Poland’s maritime economy. Since its establishment, the company has consistently developed its fleet and expanded the scope of its operations, strengthening its position as one of the largest shipowners in Europe. Each stage of this journey has helped shape a remarkable story of maritime transport.
In the initial period of its activity, the organisation and development directions of the company were strongly influenced by the management concept implemented under the leadership of its first Director General, Professor Stanisław Karger.
1950s
1951
Sołdek
One of the vessels with which PŻM began its operations was the s/s “Sołdek”.
1958
Contracts for newbuildings
Contracts signed for the construction of new “Liberty” and “Empire” type vessels – enabling the start of ocean-going voyages.
1958
West African line
Among the shipping lines opened at the time, the Company launched a West African line.
1960s
1965
Rapid fleet growth
Rapid development of the PŻM P.P. fleet – the fleet exceeds 100 vessels.
1966
“Ziemia Szczecińska”
Modern “Ziemia Szczecińska” type vessels enable the shipowner to sail around the world.
1967
Poland–Sweden ferry line
Opening of the Poland–Sweden ferry line operated by the ferry “Gryf”; today four ferries belonging to the PŻM P.P. Capital Group operate on this route.
1970s
1970
Merchant fleet reorganisation
As a result of the merchant fleet reorganisation, PŻM P.P. was designated to operate tramp shipping. This decision led to the transfer of part of bulk and ferry tonnage to PLO P.P., dedicated to liner shipping.
1973
Liquid sulphur transport
PŻM P.P. begins transporting liquid sulphur. In subsequent years, the shipowner becomes a global leader in this market segment.
1974
Supertankers
A new business area: supertankers with deadweight over 140,000 tonnes – the largest vessels in the history of PŻM P.P. and the Polish merchant fleet.
1977
Contract with British shipyards
The shipowner signs its first foreign contract with British shipyards to build 22 new vessels.
1977
North American Great Lakes
First commercial voyages in the Great Lakes region – today a strategic segment of the PŻM P.P. Capital Group’s activity.
1980s
1980
Entering foreign markets
The economic crisis in Poland forces the shipowner to offer its transport services to foreign cargo operators.
1981
Cooperation with Cargill
Start of long-term cooperation with what was then the world’s largest grain house – Cargill Ltd. In later years, this segment is joined by Louis Dreyfus Company and Toepfer GmbH.
1985
127 vessels
By the end of 1985, the PŻM fleet numbered 127 vessels.
1990s
1992
New headquarters: Pazim
New headquarters: the Pazim office and hotel complex in Szczecin, owned by the PŻM P.P. Capital Group.
1993
Business diversification
Diversification of PŻM P.P. into a number of special-purpose companies operating within the PŻM P.P. Capital Group, with PŻM P.P. remaining the parent entity.
1995
Unity Line and the ferry “Polonia”
Establishment within the PŻM P.P. Capital Group of a company dedicated to operating ferries – Unity Line – and the entry into service of the ferry “Polonia”.
1998
Recovery plan
The deepest internal crisis in the history of PŻM P.P. – a recovery plan for the enterprise is developed.
2000–2021
2000
Restructuring
Restructuring within the PŻM P.P. Capital Group – simplification of the structure, liquidation of unprofitable activities, reduction of employment.
2003
Contract: Tianjin Xingang (China)
Signing a contract with Tianjin Xingang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. Ltd in China for the construction of four bulk carriers; in subsequent years the shipyard builds a total of 18 bulk carriers for the PŻM P.P. Capital Group, each of approx. 38,000 DWT.
2008
Ystad
Expansion of the ferry transport offer to Ystad.
2010
New vessel types
The Group’s fleet is reinforced by further vessels contracted in China: lakers, universal handymax and panamax types.
2013
Kamsarmax (Japan)
More modern kamsarmax-type vessels built in Japan enter service.
2017
Receivership management
A prolonged freight market crisis creates a threat to the Group’s liquidity; by decision of the Minister of Maritime Economy, receivership management is introduced to implement a recovery programme.
2019
Financial stabilisation
Stabilisation of the financial situation of the PŻM P.P. Capital Group – receivership management is lifted and the Company’s governing bodies are restored.
2021
New development strategy
A new strategy for the coming years; strengthening strategic business segments: bulk and ferry transport, and new investment directions.
2023
New lakers at PŻM P.P.
Start of execution of a contract for 12 lakers at a Chinese shipyard from the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) group
2023
New bulk carriers on the way
Signing a contract to build handysize bulk carriers of 45,000 DWT at the Wuhu Weihai shipyard
2026
Jantar ferry
Entry into service of the m/f Jantar Unity ferry, built at the Gdańsk Repair Shipyard
