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Description
Our company offers repair and maintenance of vessels, including the most technologically complex engines. We operate in the Elbląg Canal area, where the tourist traffic of vessels and the demand for maintenance services is increasing, but it lacks offers of vessel repairs. Currently, in the event of a breakdown, the crew has no option for real support and quick repair. Therefore, we have set on a project which will let us provide a diversified service in the area of on-water repairs. The aim is to launch mobile and stationary boat repair and maintenance service that includes engine disassembly, minor repairs of basic boat equipment, emptying of waste tanks and towing of vessels to port.
As part of the investment, we are planning to carry out construction work on the main building and a utility building, and to acquire three service boats with hybrid engines. We will also commission a research and development unit to perform a strength analysis of the structure of those boats, and to prepare a recommendation of modern construction materials to be used in the safety systems for the new boats. We will achieve a pro-environmental effect of the project by equipping the units with hybrid engines and using photovoltaic systems in the boats and the upgraded buildings.
Summary of project results
The project was designed to respond to the increasing demand for specialized boat servicing in the Elbląg Canal area, where there is currently no mobile servicing company. The Elbląg Canal attracts thousands of tourists annually, and the number of registered vessels is growing each year. However, the area lacks dedicated infrastructure to provide on-site repairs, especially in emergency situations. Existing infrastructure is limited to stationary workshops, which fails to meet the needs of the increasing number of boats and does not adequately support environmental protection in cases like fuel leaks or other emergencies on the water. Additionally, there was a need for implementing more eco-friendly technologies, such as hybrid engines, to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency in the industry. The project aimed to meet these needs by implementing mobile and stationary servicing solutions as well as introducing innovative technologies.
As part of the project, a series of activities were undertaken to create a comprehensive service system for watercraft on the Elbląg Canal. The project included both construction work and the acquisition of essential fixed assets to enable the provision of high-quality services.
The first stage of the project involved construction and adaptation work. The renovation of the “main building” for residential use involved transforming the space into two comfortable apartments to accommodate clients during extended repairs to their watercraft. The next step was the renovation of the “utility building,” which was converted into a service-residential facility housing a workshop and an additional apartment for clients. Preparing the property for service provision also required infrastructure work, such as installing essential technical systems and ensuring suitable working conditions in the workshop.
A key element of the project was the acquisition of three service boats equipped with innovative hybrid engines. These modern vessels allow for quick, eco-friendly responses to water incidents while minimizing environmental impact. The boats are equipped with advanced propulsion systems that ensure reliability and efficiency, which is crucial in emergency situations.
Additionally, the project included establishing a fully equipped workshop to facilitate complex repairs and maintenance of watercraft.
Through this project, the company expanded its service offerings, introducing innovative solutions that set it apart from the competition. With the implementation of a mobile service, the company can provide quick and flexible services tailored to the needs of various client groups. The permanent stationary service maintains high-quality standards and ensures the availability of spare parts, which is essential for effective customer support.
The project outcomes include not only physical infrastructure changes and equipment acquisition but also increased innovation and competitiveness of the company in the local market. The adoption of modern technologies, such as hybrid engines, combined with a comprehensive approach to watercraft servicing, contributes to enhanced customer satisfaction and higher service standards in the regional maritime industry.
The project significantly increased the availability and quality of service support for vessels on the Elbląg Canal. With the introduction of mobile services, boat users can count on fast and efficient help in emergency situations, which was previously difficult due to the lack of specialized companies in this field. Mobile service boats allow immediate responses to breakdowns, minimizing vessel downtime and potential environmental damage resulting from fuel or other substance leaks.
The beneficiaries of the project are primarily two main customer segments: institutional users of watercraft and individual boat owners. Institutional users, such as charter companies and transport enterprises, now have the opportunity to use comprehensive service solutions that enhance their operational efficiency and increase end-customer satisfaction. With continuous access to high-quality service, these companies can better manage their fleet of vessels, which translates into their competitiveness in the market.
Individual boat users also experience direct benefits from the project. They can rely on quick assistance in case of a breakdown, which increases their sense of safety while using their vessels. In situations where repairs take longer, the availability of apartments allows customers to comfortably wait for the completion of service work, significantly improving their boating experience.
The project also contributed to the protection of the Elbląg Canal''s natural environment. The rapid response to breakdowns and the use of eco-friendly hybrid engines in service boats minimize the negative environmental impact by reducing pollution emissions and noise. Moreover, effective management of fuel spills and other hazardous substances reduces the risk of long-term pollution of the Canal''s waters.
For the company, the project led to increased innovation and competitiveness in the local market. The introduction of modern technologies and a comprehensive service offering allowed the company to better utilize market potential, which translated into increased revenues and employment. The project also enabled the company’s business expansion, which benefits both the company and the local economy through the creation of new jobs.