The four CRIST founders were seasoned veterans of the shipbuilding industry, boasting the necessary expertise, extensive practical experience, and invaluable industry connections. Having collaborated for many years at the Northern Shipyard, where Andrzej Szwarc led the hull departments, they were uniquely positioned to launch their own venture. The founders' impressive credentials spanned leadership roles in private enterprises across the sector - Kulczycki's experience in international shipyards, Ćwirko's tenure at PPU "Rambit," and Tymuła's background at PZ "Durainsul." Equipped with this unparalleled collective expertise, they made the strategic decision to establish their own company.
The name CRIST originated from the initials of its founding members' given names and surnames: Krzysztof Kulczycki, Ireneusz Ćwirko, Andrzej Szwarc, and Józef Tymuła. Interestingly, the "K" was replaced with a "C" to give the name a more global appeal. The company's founding agreement was signed on October 9, 1990, by three of the four partners. Kulczycki acquired a 50% stake, while the others each held 25%. Szwarc, who had become the production director at the Northern Shipyard, did not join the company to avoid a potential conflict of interest. This marked the beginning of a venture that would go on to become the most celebrated success story in the history of private shipbuilding in Europe within a single generation.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
At CRIST, we have a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility. Our shipbuilding, steel fabrication, and ship repair operations have evolved to embrace emerging renewable technologies, like hydropower and wind energy, which have opened up new market opportunities. We are currently engaged in specialized offshore construction, maritime transport, and marine resource exploitation projects that align with our environmental ethos.
For years, we have proudly supported eco-friendly initiatives, culminating in the successful delivery of demanding and innovative projects, such as offshore constructions, barges, and vessels for wind farm construction and servicing. Our expertise in the offshore sector has positioned us as a leading European player in this industry.
- The CRIST shipyard proudly maintains the ISO 14001 environmental management standard, ensuring we consistently implement measures to minimize our organizational impact on the environment. This certification is renewed annually, demonstrating our unwavering dedication.
- We have a dedicated, around-the-clock fire prevention team equipped with the necessary resources and qualifications to swiftly respond to any environmental incidents.
- Our sustainability efforts have yielded tangible results, as we have managed to reduce our electricity consumption by 30% over the past four years.
- Furthermore, in 2023, we completed an investment in a new state-of-the-art waste storage facility at our CRIST site, meeting all required fire safety and environmental protection standards.
Milestones in CRIST's History
Select an Event of Interest:
Company Founding
First vessels
Delivery of the first four fishing vessels.
First Containership
Production and delivery of the company's inaugural containership hull.
Investments in Facility Expansion
Purchase of new production facilities (halls, dry dock, gantry crane)
Bremerhaven Locks
Delivery of three locks for the port in Bremerhaven.
Offshore Unit "THOR"
Production and delivery of the first Jack-up barge for offshore wind farms.
Transformation to Joint-Stock Company
CRIST transitioning from a limited liability to a joint-stock company.
Pipe Prefabrication Line
Launch of a large-scale line with 15,000-20,000 ton annual capacity.
Offshore Ship "INNOVATION"
Manufacture and delivery of Jack-up ship for offshore wind farm construction.
Offshore Ship "VIDAR"
Manufacture and delivery of Jack-up ship for offshore wind farm construction.
Pipelaying Vessel "CEONA AMAZON"
Production and delivery of a Multi Lay Vessel for subsea pipelines.
Combi Bulk Vessels "RUBIN" and "ARTIC FJELL"
Production and delivery of two versatile cargo ships.
Offshore Vessel NB 309 featuring an X-Stern
Delivery of a novel service vessel with X-Bow and X-Stern.
Heavy-Lift Barge "Zourite"
Production and delivery of a specialized Jack-up barge.
Hybrid Ferry "Elektra"
Production and delivery of an innovative hybrid passenger ferry.
Live Fish Carrier "Aqua Tromøy"
Production and delivery of a novel live fish transport ship.
Hybrid Ro-Pax "Herjólflur"
Production and delivery of an innovative, hybrid passenger/vehicle ferry.
30th Anniversary of CRIST
Celebrating three decades of CRIST's shipyard operations.
CRIST: Exporter of the Year
CRIST was recognized as the Exporter of the Year to France in 2021, highlighting our successful international business expansion and excellence in delivering high-quality products.
Plate Cutting for Pontoon (MPP)
The cutting of steel plates for the fully equipped and multifunctional pontoon (MPP) designed for the construction of an immersed tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany.
Hybrid Ferry P 315 “Altera”
Production and delivery of the innovative hybrid ferry P 315 "Altera," which incorporates advanced technology for reduced environmental impact and improved efficiency.
Follow-up project for FLC
The ceremonial cutting of steel plates for the second project for the Femern Link Contractors (FLC). This project, identified by the working number NB100, involves the construction of a vessel...
Launching of Unit NB131
Launching of the specialized vessel, designated NB131, for the construction of an immersed tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany (FLC).
Hybrid Ferry P 317
Production and delivery of the innovative hybrid ferry P 317.
Vessel for Immersed Tunnel Construction
Vessel for Immersed Tunnel Construction
Company Founding
First vessels
Delivery of the first four fishing vessels.
First Containership
Production and delivery of the company's inaugural containership hull.
Investments in Facility Expansion
Purchase of new production facilities (halls, dry dock, gantry crane)
Bremerhaven Locks
Delivery of three locks for the port in Bremerhaven.
Offshore Unit "THOR"
Production and delivery of the first Jack-up barge for offshore wind farms.
Transformation to Joint-Stock Company
CRIST transitioning from a limited liability to a joint-stock company.
Pipe Prefabrication Line
Launch of a large-scale line with 15,000-20,000 ton annual capacity.
Offshore Ship "INNOVATION"
Manufacture and delivery of Jack-up ship for offshore wind farm construction.
Offshore Ship "VIDAR"
Manufacture and delivery of Jack-up ship for offshore wind farm construction.
Pipelaying Vessel "CEONA AMAZON"
Production and delivery of a Multi Lay Vessel for subsea pipelines.
Combi Bulk Vessels "RUBIN" and "ARTIC FJELL"
Production and delivery of two versatile cargo ships.
Offshore Vessel NB 309 featuring an X-Stern
Delivery of a novel service vessel with X-Bow and X-Stern.
Heavy-Lift Barge "Zourite"
Production and delivery of a specialized Jack-up barge.
Hybrid Ferry "Elektra"
Production and delivery of an innovative hybrid passenger ferry.
Live Fish Carrier "Aqua Tromøy"
Production and delivery of a novel live fish transport ship.
Hybrid Ro-Pax "Herjólflur"
Production and delivery of an innovative, hybrid passenger/vehicle ferry.
30th Anniversary of CRIST
Celebrating three decades of CRIST's shipyard operations.
CRIST: Exporter of the Year
CRIST was recognized as the Exporter of the Year to France in 2021, highlighting our successful international business expansion and excellence in delivering high-quality products.
Plate Cutting for Pontoon (MPP)
The cutting of steel plates for the fully equipped and multifunctional pontoon (MPP) designed for the construction of an immersed tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany.
Hybrid Ferry P 315 “Altera”
Production and delivery of the innovative hybrid ferry P 315 "Altera," which incorporates advanced technology for reduced environmental impact and improved efficiency.
Follow-up project for FLC
The ceremonial cutting of steel plates for the second project for the Femern Link Contractors (FLC). This project, identified by the working number NB100, involves the construction of a vessel...
Launching of Unit NB131
Launching of the specialized vessel, designated NB131, for the construction of an immersed tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany (FLC).
Hybrid Ferry P 317
Production and delivery of the innovative hybrid ferry P 317.
Vessel for Immersed Tunnel Construction
Vessel for Immersed Tunnel Construction
30 years of CRIST
Watch a film about our history
Commemorative jubilee book
Discover our jubilee book marking the 30th anniversary of CRIST's establishment!
Organizational Structure
Initially, CRIST Shipyard's expertise centered on the construction and repair of a diverse range of maritime vessels, including ships, fishing boats, and specialized Ro-Ro units.
However, the company's strategic acquisition of the former Gdynia Shipyard premises in 2009 marked a pivotal turning point, propelling CRIST into the realm of offshore construction, specialized coastal infrastructure, and ships supporting marine resource extraction.
Notably, the company's forward-thinking vision was exemplified by its securing of the first contract for an offshore wind farm installation vessel ("THOR") that same year, further diversifying its capabilities.
CRIST Offshore
Sp. z o.o.
Fast Gritblasting
Sp. z o.o.
Crist Mal
Sp. z o.o.
CRIST Konstrukcje
Sp. z o.o.
CRIST Shipyard
Sp. z o.o.
Our values
At the CRIST S.A. Group, we are dedicated to corporate social responsibility and strictly follow all legal regulations. Our organization promotes sustainable development practices that consider the diverse interests of our stakeholders. As we shape our business strategy, we abide by the following set of core values, and we expect our employees and partners to embrace and uphold these principles as well.
Sustainable Development
Attuned to the needs of our business partners, CRIST is currently preparing its first sustainability report in alignment with European Reporting Standards.
Although the obligation to prepare and publish a sustainability report will not apply to us until 2026, we plan to publish our first such report in 2024.
Our first sustainability report aims to showcase our steadfast commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices, highlighting our ongoing efforts to build a better future.
Awards and Recognitions
The activities and projects carried out by the CRIST shipyard have been recognized through numerous awards and distinctions, both in Poland and internationally.
Exporter of the Year to France competition
2021
Maritime Economy Lighthouse
in the Maritime Technology Leader category
2020
Polish exporters to France
2019
„ELEKTRA” Vessel of the Year by Marine Propulsion Awards 2018
2018
Among the best Polish exporters to France
2018
„Amber Egg” for the construction of the P310 Elektra ferry
2018
Among the best Polish exporters to France
2017
"Gold Oxery" for Ireneusz Ćwirko i Krzysztof Kulczycki for consistency and determination in building their own businesses over the last 27 years
2017
Certificates
CRIST's production standards and quality are best confirmed by the certificates it has obtained from Polish and international certification bodies.
EU Projects
Construction of a wind tower production facility on post-shipyard areas in Gdynia for CRIST S.A.
Partners and Contractors
Our partners are companies with whom we have established long-term cooperative relationships grounded in trust, shared values, and aligned goals. By collaborating on ambitious challenges, we create synergy.
